Sahodari Foundation reposted this
LinkedIn Top Voices - Social Impact | Transgender Rights Activist | LGBTQIA+ Speaker and Educator | DEIB Expert | Inclusion Strategist | Harvard, Yale and Cornell Speaker | Artist | Author | Entrepreneur
I first met Sandhiya in Saidapet in Chennai in 2008. She was a shy and fragile transgirl who was begging from shop to shop collecting money for her basic needs of survival. Rejected by her biological family for her transgender identity, she was thrown out of her home at the age of 15. Heartbroken but not losing hope, she then worked in a tea shop washing tumblers and utensils. Life had been hard for that young child. Unable to face the hardships of life, she began to beg in shops. She did that for years to survive. Since she was a school drop out, when I first met her, I tried to convince her to pursue her education. She wasn't interested in formal education. I took her under my wings, taught her activism and social work, introduced video production, fine art and performance art, and facilitated with opportunities to support her livelihood. I took her to travel with me to get the exposure of life and the world which, I believe, gave her confidence and understanding. Meanwhile she fell in love, got married and settled with a guy. I thought that marriage will bring her security, but it did not last long and she got separated in a few years. She continues to work with the Sahodari Foundation. A few years ago, she united with her family, a long wish fulfilled. Still she chose to live independently and took her aged mother who is blind to live with her. She always wanted to own a car, drive it as a taxi making her livelihood through it. It may be a long dream but an achievable one. But for now, she grabbed the opportunity to own an auto rickshaw with the aid of the Tamilnadu government facilitated by the THAA organization. The government helped her with one lakh subsidy and she needs to pay the rest of two lakhs in 3 years as EMI. She now rides the streets of Chennai in her auto rickshaw proudly. Her courage and resilience makes me proud. Sahodari Foundation, our organization has transformed her life. I would say with pride that I had shaped her into an unshakeable human being. She is a family to me, a younger sister indeed and I am proud of her. 31 March is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to celebrate the pride of our community. #storiesofpride #transandproud #TDoV #TrangenderDayofVisibility #transgender #inspiration #motivation
Muthu Krishnan
6mo
Sandhiya's journey from hardship to empowerment is truly inspiring. Your mentorship and the support of Sahodari Foundation have been pivotal. Her determination to overcome obstacles and embrace independence exemplifies the resilience of the transgender community. Celebrating her achievements on Transgender Day of Visibility is a testament to her strength.
Kalki Subramaniam 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 love this story of Sandhiya. I am so honored to know her through you. You have not only changed lives but the ecosystem in which they live in. :)
Prasanth RSA 🏳️🌈
6mo
This is incredibly heartwarming, Kalki ma'am! Sandhiya's story is a testament to both her resilience and the incredible work Sahodhari Foundation is doing. Empowering individuals like Sandhiya to achieve self-sufficiency is truly inspiring. Thank you for being a champion for the transgender community and paving the way for a more inclusive society. #TransRights #SahodhariEmpowers
Charles Godwin
6mo
Lovely ❣️
Sasha R.
6mo
This is so inspiring and heart warming. Especially how even after facing rejection from family she took her mother to live with her. Wishing Sandhiya and you all the success and love!
Nice work, good to hear the transformation story
Kudos to Sandhiya for breaking the glass ceiling
Amazing Sister
Chief Technology Officer ( CTO )
6moVery moving. You have shaped and transformed the lives of so many by your relentless and resolute hard work and dedication. I truly admire your patience and you are indeed an admirable role model for all of us. May God bless you with all the success. Please convey our congratulations and appreciation to Mrs Sandhiya for her positive attitude and with your support she has achieved what she wanted to be.