Our internship with the Sahodari Foundation, under transgender activist Kalki Subramaniam, aimed to bridge our existing knowledge from co-authoring There’s Room for Everyone with a deeper understanding of transgender issues. In Pollachi, we started with Kalki sharing her journey of family acceptance and the misconceptions that often shadow transgender lives. One stark reality she highlighted was how limited job opportunities sometimes push transgender individuals into prostitution, underscoring the need for structural change. Conversations with other transgender women broadened our perspective, revealing unique struggles and aspirations for inclusivity and respect.

​

Motivated, we created three educational posts. The first clarified “Gender Identity” vs. sexual orientation and outlined medical options for transitioning. The second post focused on The Special Marriage Act, spotlighting ongoing support efforts and teenage allies. The last featured transgender scientists to dispel myths that transgender identity is new or Western, aiming to inspire. This experience deepened my commitment to allyship by teaching me that true advocacy requires empathy, listening, and active engagement in dismantling misconceptions.