The tale of first transgender HR executive from Kerala has left Shashi Tharoor impressed. Here's why you should read it too

Kerala as a state is definitely a champion of transgender rights. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ BeingYou

Slowly but steadily, things are changing for the LGBTQ community in India. Yes, total acceptance is still a long way to go, but at least there is much more awareness and celebration than before. So, when Shashi Tharoor took to Facebook to share the inspiring tale of Zara Sheikha, the first transgender HR executive from Kerala, it left many people intrigued.

Sheikha was born as Nishant, who was constantly bullied through her childhood and forced to behave like a man. But, after getting employed by a popular MNC company in Kerala, she decided to share her struggles and her story by writing for a Facebook page called BeingYou.

Soon after, the post caught the eye of Shashi Tharoor, MP, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He shared her story on his Facebook page and captioned it as: "Remarkable story of Zara Sheikha, born Nishant, first transgender employed in Thiruvananthapuram."

In fact, Sheikha's story is one that can serve as an inspiration to many. According to a report published in the Asian Age, Sheikha wrote how she was asked to 'be like a man' because she was born as one, how she was bullied in school, and how her father was disappointed that she was going to 'bring shame to the family name someday'. It was only in her college that she researched about transgenders and finally understood her sexuality.

"I was always a good student, only seeing the top three ranks in school, until the ragging in college made me withdraw into my shell. My behaviour was so effeminate that anybody and everybody would make fun of me, calling me names and imitating me. At home, I used to secretly dress up in my mother's sarees, and apply make-up. One day, my father burnt my clothes and broke my make-up box. I still have vivid memories of the day," she wrote in her post.

"Two years ago, I decided to come out. I couldn't live a lie any longer. My family wasn't supportive so I decided to move out. My aim was to get a job. I attended many interviews without outing myself but the minute a friend told me there was an opening specifically for transgenders, I jumped at it. Today, I'm the first transgender HR executive to be employed by a popular MNC, who truly believe in transforming lives," she further wrote.

Kudos to her!

However, we cannot afford to neglect the fact that Kerala constantly manages to hit headlines with its initiatives for the betterment of the transgender community. From opening the first ever transgender school in 2016 to inaugurating a clinic that only caters to the people of the community, the state is definitely a champion of transgender rights.

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