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Opting For Begging Or Prostitution Is Never A Solution, Says Apsara Reddy





Opting For Begging Or Prostitution Is Never A Solution, Says Apsara Reddy

Born in a man’s body, Apsara Reddy always wanted to be a woman. Unlike most others trapped in a similar predicament, she always knew what she wanted to be. So, she took up her fight to become one without submitting to societal pressure and in doing so, she did not compromise with her dignity under the pretext of societal non-acceptance for transgenders.Instead, Apsara pursued the proud life of a trans person while working as a journalist in some of the most reputed global and national media houses.She is currently the spokesperson of AIADMK party. Through life and works, Apsara has constantly proven that trans people can be a part of mainstream society and excel at it too. Apsara was in the city recently when My City Links caught up with her for an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

HOW DIFFICULT WAS IT FOR YOU TO CONVINCE YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS ABOUT YOUR DECISION TO GO FOR A HORMONAL CHANGE AT THE AGE OF 15?
It wasn’t easy at all. I still remember when I told my parents about this, they were in shock. My relatives arrived and bombarded me with questions, most of them rude. They tried to convince me to change my mind. Some were abusive and even suggested that I burn myself. I don’t care if my relatives hate me for my decision. They have to respect me as a human being first. It is my basic right and they can’t take it away from me. They were so ashamed of me that some of them asked my parents not to get me along with them during weddings, parties or family get-togethers. I was shocked by such behaviour and since that day, I decided to be unashamedly myself.

HAVE THEIR OPINIONS CHANGED NOW?
Oh yes! Their opinions have undergone a sea change and they are even celebrating my achievements. May be their opinions were concerns as their non-exposure to transgenders made them think that a sex change might destroy my life. But asking me to immolate was inhuman and I will never forget that.

DID YOU FACE ANY PROBLEMS WHILE GOING THROUGH HORMONE CHANGE TREATMENT?
Before going for the hormone change treatment, I started meeting a gender counsellor. Most of the gender counsellors in India are fake. My counsellor said I would be pelted with stones and the society would be after my life. She suggested I remain a boy and marry a girl. I was surprised at those suggestions, as I wanted to be a girl. I was scared. Luckily, I met Dr Usha Sriram who helped me get over the stigma and started giving me hormones. The first three months were tough as my body rejected those hormone tablets causing my head to spin, hot flashes and excess sweating. Depression and suicidal feelings were other associated problems. My mother supported me tremendously during that time.YOU ARE AGAINST THE ‘GURU MA’ CULTURE FOLLOWED IN THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY. ANY SPECIFIC REASON FOR THAT?
I don’t like this guru-chela system followed in the transgender community. There will always be problems and one needs to face them. Escaping from it and becoming a prostitute is not a solution. Transgender community considers begging and prostitution as their inherited profession; as if they have the authority to do so! I have been opposing this practice. Generally, the Guru Maas fear that if the new and young transgenders stop practicing the set profession and start preferring other jobs, they would lose their authority and source of income. These gurus trade young transgenders and make good money from their earnings. This guru-chela culture must stop.

MOST TRANSGENDER PEOPLE SAY THEY OPT TO BEG OR BECOME PROSTITUTES, AS THEY DON’T HAVE ANY OTHER OPTION…
Options are always there. There may be roadblocks but that can happen in anyone’s life. We need willpower to overcome our problems. There are many unemployed youths in our country and they don’t use this as an excuse to get into prostitution. Families of many acids attack victims too don’t support them. What is important is to fight your own battle with respect. Time is changing; we need to change our attitude too.

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP INTEREST IN JOURNALISM?
I love to tell stories. To inform and educate people on various issues is an important responsibility. Journalism is a good platform to bring about public welfare. When I went to Australia for further studies, I got scholarship for admission in marketing and business course but changed to journalism after one month. I even worked in the Indian Consulate for free for three weeks.HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH BBC? YOU HAVE ALSO TAKEN INTERVIEWS OF MANY RENOWNED PERSONALITIES.
Oh! I had a really good experience. I was working with BBC in London and was reporting in mainstream news and current affairs. I never faced any sort of discrimination there. Rather everybody supported me and were always willing to guide me. I had a good deal of exposure to learn about different genres of journalism besides an opportunity to host a radio show where I interacted with world leaders. While working there I got an opportunity to take interviews of Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Michael Schumacher, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, AR Rehman and many others. Everyone cooperated with me there. But before joining the BBC, I used to work in a local paper in Chennai where I faced a lot of discrimination. Whenever I used to submit a story, some of my colleagues would deliberately ‘introduce’ errors in my articles. Some even punctured my vehicle.

Dealing with Indian politicians and bureaucrats was also quite tough for me. However, I always believed that if we are talented and good in our work, nobody can stop us. And, that’s how I have sailed through!

WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR BLOOMING CAREER IN LONDON AND MOVE BACK TO INDIA?
WelI, I was definitely earning well and was dating a handsome Punjabi man. But I wanted to do something in India with my original identity. I came back to India and met Aditya Sinha who was the editor of The New Indian Express, and he told me that my sexuality is a non-issue and I should start working. So, I joined The New Indian Express in 2009.Later, I also worked for Deccan Chronicle and some television shows.

AFTER BEING A SUCCESSFUL JOURNALIST, YOU ARE NOW THE SPOKESPERSON OF AIADMK PARTY. WHAT CHANGES HAVE THAT BROUGHT IN YOUR LIFE?
Journalism changed the scenario of my life. Through journalism, I met many people. My ideas about society also changed. I am thankful to Jayalilita Maa, who encouraged me a lot. I always believe that we have to behave properly if we want the society to accept us. If you want to be a woman, behave and act like a woman. Why become a woman and then act aggressively, use abusive words, clap hands and curse people?


WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS?
Definitely at the forefront of politics! I also want to work in the field of education and human rights. I feel education in our country still has a long way to go.

Author: Monalisa patsani

Being into journalism since 2012, Monalisa loves listening to people and narrate their stories. She has been exploring different genres of journalism, but writing about the environment, places and people suits her interest.

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