A movie that I find relatable is ‘Maa Bappu Bommaku Pellanta’. The concept is something I didn’t expect. It’s happiness. It’s a small word but there are many ways to manifest it. I remember the days of my childhood. I found happiness playing the games that mostly girls played. Hide & Seek was one of them. It was a happy childhood.
Later in my life when I revealed my gender identity, I started to face issues. Some people whom I called friends stopped talking as did certain relatives who distanced themselves from me. But I still had supportive family members and friends. To this day, I stay with my family, and they love me a lot. I trust them.
However, the larger society is much different. It scrutinises our lives which creates a toll on mental health. It is a reason why I am taking my transition journey slowly. One step of the journey was my participation in PeriFerry’s Revive training program which I completed successfully recently. Yes, it upskilled me. But it also gave me a safe space to truly be myself.
I am now searching for jobs in the HR domain. Finding an inclusive job is also part of our transition as it enables us to be financially independent and pursue happiness as we define it by our own terms.
My name is Harika and I am a trans woman. I am proud of who I am, and I care about people who value me as I am. Life has its ups and downs. So, I keep my faith in God and cope with things by listening to music. Motivational music and sad songs - both the genres have their own place. Just like me and my fellow community members who have a place in this world.
#periferry #progresswithpride #peopleofperiferry #upskilling #transgender #inclusion #transwoman
