New Delhi [India], August 16: My curiosity about transgendered people arose when my cousin and brother were born, my first encounter with transgendered people was when I was 8 years old when my cousin’s sister was born, and then my second encounter was when I was 11 years old; when my brother was born. As it is a tradition in India, transgendered people have come to bless the children. I was intrigued to understand who these people were and what they were doing here. I noticed my family’s aversion and fear towards them and decided that an urgent change was needed. I often find myself revisiting those memories trying to make sense of that experience.
Then on one crisp October afternoon in Delhi, as my car idled at a traffic signal on my way home from school, I was startled by a tap on my window. Looking out, I saw a transgender individual asking for spare change. Intrigued and full of questions, I rolled down the window and struck up a conversation. The more they shared their experiences, the more I felt compelled to act. This brief interaction sparked a deep reflection on the severe socioeconomic and healthcare challenges faced by trans people in India. Driven by a desire to address this human suffering, I founded Project RIGHT (Real Inclusion in Gender Health Treatment) later that same month, dedicated to improving the lives of the transgender community.
Founded in October 2023, Project RIGHT (Real Inclusion in Gender Health Treatment) partners with Delhi-based NGO Mitr Trust to transform healthcare for trans communities in Delhi. The initiative focuses on enhancing the physical health, mental well-being, and social acceptance of trans people. A key achievement is the creation of a Gender Inclusive Health Center at Mitr Trust, offering support for various ailments. The Project relies on research from a February 2024 survey to address local issues and plans to hold health camps and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) checkups. It will also produce resources and host seminars to raise awareness and combat stigma. The project is currently hosting Health Camps and Wellness Seminars in collaboration with Dr. Dang’s Diagnostic Laboratory and Dr. Utkarshini Arora respectively.
Healthcare is a fundamental human right crucial for ensuring the well-being and dignity of all individuals. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 emphasizes “Good Health and Well-Being” to guarantee that everyone, regardless of background, can lead a healthy life. However, structural inequalities in healthcare persist globally, disproportionately affecting marginalized identities and communities.
In India, despite gradual improvements in healthcare infrastructure, certain vulnerable groups remain excluded from these advancements. The transgender community, historically revered in the region, faces severe disparities in healthcare access due to stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. The National AIDS Control Program’s classification of some queer and trans communities as “high-risk” groups further pathologizes them. Although Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees life and liberty, systemic barriers like unaffordable healthcare and lack of accountability undermine the health prospects of trans individuals. Carrying the project forward, I developed the Project RIGHT Health Tool, which is a user-friendly search engine that helps one find the nearest government hospitals and clinics by simply entering your postal code.
This tool aims to improve access to healthcare services, making it easier for everyone to locate essential medical facilities in their area.
This project stems from a passionate place in my heart as it provides me with an opportunity to work towards social justice and garner equality in society while addressing the practical healthcare needs of the transgender community in India. I have an academic background in Maths, Politics, Economics and Physics, I also serve as the Co-Head of the International Community and House Captain at Marlborough College, England; while founding and leading my school’s basketball team. I want to imbibe the values I have accumulated through my sports and academic experiences into this project. While it is just a start, I am confident in my abilities to bring about a positive change in society.
Social media has become deeply embedded in our lives and offers a powerful platform for raising awareness about critical issues. Drawing inspiration from various social media campaigns, I delved into content strategies from similar initiatives to guide my approach. This led me to launch an Instagram page and a podcast series dedicated to the transgender community in India. Through these channels, I engaged with field experts who provided valuable insights, enriching my understanding, and enhancing my ability to effectively spread awareness about the challenges faced by the transgender community. I have had eminent speakers on my podcast such as Reenai Rai, founder of Miss Trans Queen India; Arshi Ghosh, Actor, Model and Trans Activist; Rudrani Chhetri, trans actor, model and activist and Dr Arjun Dang from Dr Dangs Labs.
That chance encounter on a Delhi afternoon transformed into a profound awakening for me. Engaging in conversation with a transgender individual at a traffic signal opened my eyes to the severe inequalities and hardships faced by this community. Driven by a commitment to action and social justice, I founded Project RIGHT (Real Inclusion in Gender Health Treatment) in October 2023, partnering with Mitr Trust to address these disparities. Our initiative strives to improve healthcare access and social acceptance for trans individuals through a Gender Inclusive Health Center, health camps, and awareness seminars. By leveraging my academic background and leadership skills, and utilizing social media to amplify our message, I am dedicated to bridging gaps in healthcare and advocating for dignity and equality. This journey is just beginning, but with continued effort and community support, I am confident that Project RIGHT will drive meaningful, lasting change in the lives of trans people in India.
