"We are mostly stereotyped," Kavya Jaiswal explains. "You are supposed to be in certain professions, like a makeup artist or a fashion designer. But when I took up the role of customer centricity, I stepped in to break that stereotype." 

[Kavya is XYZ at Godrej Properties, where she’s worked since TKTK year. She is a “proud trans woman,” as she declares with a smile – and both the smile and the pride have been earned over years of challenge and self-reflection. "Initially, it was very difficult because people were not accepting," Kavya says. "I would be rejected at interviews; my applications would be overlooked. Even though I had the talent, my gender was a barrier." Despite these setbacks, Kavya's resolve to make a mark led her to become a soft skills trainer and then a process trainer at American Express. "I was the first trans person to be a trainer in that company," she says. "My trainees were amazing and supportive, which is what allyship means. It’s about being empathetic and creating a safe space for everyone to flourish." 

Born and raised in Mumbai in a Punjabi family, her journey to self-acceptance began in earnest at around 18. "Growing up as the only biological son in a Punjabi family presented many challenges," she explains. "Coming out was difficult, but my grandmother, despite not knowing what 'transgender' meant, supported me with love and hope." Kavya fondly remembers her grandmother’s unconditional support, which played a crucial role in her journey. 

In her youth, Kavya faced additional struggles trying to fit in with societal expectations. "I was told to play with boys, and I struggled with that expectation," she recalls. "I remember a time when I was beaten up.” 

The pressure grew unbearable. "There was a time when I was very shy and bullied for who I am," she explains. "I was holding a bottle of poison in my hand, contemplating ending everything because I couldn't handle the bullying anymore." But she put the bottle down. "Something came from within and told me, 'You can give up, but what if you don’t? What if you leave everything aside and accept who you are?'" This inner voice encouraged her to keep fighting and to embrace her identity despite the adversity. 

Navigating gender constructs in various spaces has been challenging for Kavya. "In most of the organizations I’ve worked, there weren’t gender-neutral washrooms," she notes. 

 "Earlier, when I used the men's washroom, it was difficult and uncomfortable." She recalls going to a women’s restroom once and feeling challenged. "There was a woman who looked at me with a peculiar grin, judging me for using the ladies' restroom," Kavya says. "Instead of reacting negatively, I chose to smile at her. She eventually smiled back and apologized." This experience taught her the power of empathy and maintaining one’s dignity despite others' judgments. "While gender-neutral washrooms are crucial, I also wish for more spaces that are gender euphoric, where people like me can feel truly accepted and comfortable." 

Image and text by Rolie Breja