A Life In Trans Activism

Sitting among the serene hills of the Ardhanareeshwara temple in Thiruchengode in Salem district, Revathi, a transgender woman and author of a path-breaking autobiography, The Truth About Me, and Nandini Murali, a writer and researcher, begin a conversation about what it means to live on the margins of society, to find ways to live a 'normal' life when your identity does not find an easy fit in the acceptable binaries of society. Revathi discusses her life in an NGO, Sangama, that works with transgender persons, and the journey of her rise from an office assistant to the director of the organisation. She describes her research into the lives of those who make the transition from female to male identity; her efforts to provide a voice to those who do not fit the gender binary; and her travels around the world to discuss the community's experience. Talking about her decision to quit Sangama and continue her struggle as an independent activist, Revathi speaks about her collaboration with an activist theatre group that has been performing a play based on her autobiography across Karnataka. She reflects on the recent Supreme Court judgement that provides legal recognition to the transgender community and how to make it a powerful instrument of social change. This unique book provides insight and nuance into one of the least talked about subjects in our society from the point of view of a person most qualified to talk about it.