A hijra social activist, dancer, actress, celebrity. Founder Trustee & Chairperson, Astitva – Organization for Support & Development of Sexual Minorities.
Work:
Laxmi’s aim is to bring about the recognition of human rights of sexual minorities, especially transgender persons, and people living with HIV/AIDS.
She was the first transgender person to represent Asia-Pacific in the UN President’s Office Civil Society Task Force on HIV/AIDS.
Through media appearances, national, regional and international consultancy, cooperating with various NGOs across the country and presiding over the CBO Astitva Trust, Laxmi is at the forefront of social work and advocacy in India.
Her work and personality were an inspiration for numerous literary, cinematographic and photographic enterprises.
Bio:
In 1979, Laxmi was born in Thane as the eldest child of an orthodox Brahmin duo from Uttar Pradesh.
Lakshmi graduated from Mithibai College, and then pursued a post-graduate degree in Bharatnatyam, after which she choreographed several stage shows, created music albums, and has also done a few projects for TV and films.
Never scared to speak her mind, she also is perhaps one of the few Hijras to stay with her biological family and be accepted by them.
She has a brother, a sister and has adopted two children.
She says…
“If you become a hijra, the world doesn’t end there, but a new world starts”
Gitamritam speaker in the year 2013.