Paniya Community Welcomes First Transwoman

_{Image Credit: The New Indian Express}

Prakriti N V, the first transwoman from the Paniya community in Wayanad, bravely embraced her true identity despite the resistance from her family. Returning to her hometown a year ago, dressed as a woman and under a new name, Prakriti faced challenges in gaining acceptance from her mother and younger brother. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the wholehearted welcome she received from her community.

Prakriti, a history graduate who has also completed a teacher’s training course, experienced a transformation in her life and perspective while pursuing higher studies outside Wayanad. Encountering like-minded individuals who listened to her, she found support and empowerment. As the general secretary of Adishakti summer school, an organization dedicated to tribal student empowerment, Prakriti advocates for education and challenges prevailing misconceptions about transgender people, particularly the notion that they are all involved in sex work.

Inspired by her own journey, Prakriti aims to create awareness about gender and sexuality among tribal students through a campaign. She has initiated discussions with the Tribal Development Office to seek support for her mission. Despite the challenges she faced after revealing her identity, Prakriti’s courage has opened doors for others in her community to seek her guidance and share their own struggles with identity.

Prakriti urges society to accept transgender individuals as they are, just like any other person, and highlights the importance of education in shaping a better future. Her determination and commitment to empowering others serve as an inspiration for everyone to embrace diversity and promote inclusivity.

Re-reported from the story originally published in The New Indian Express