The First Ever Hijira Habba

Around 40 community leaders discussed their invisible lives in the first-ever National Hijra Habba in New Delhi.

From Mujra Nani, a senior member of the transgender community in Mumbai, to the 24-year-old activist Raveena from Chhattisgarh (the youngest participant), around 40 community leaders discussed their invisible lives in the first-ever National Hijra Habba on 2 June 2012 in New Delhi. They were also here to deliberate on a road map for the next three years: including efforts to count the number of hijras in the country, and press for the setting up of welfare boards on the lines of the Tamil Nadu Transgender and Hijra Welfare Board. Participants also shared their experiences with other members. Raveena spoke about the book titled Lajja, which she is writing on the lives of hijras. Mujra Nani shared her experience of running a support home for HIV+ members of the community. And Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, president of Asia Pacific Transgender Network—who has been featured on TV shows like Bigg Boss and Raaz Pichle Janam Ka—spoke about the increasing visibility of hijras in the media.

About The Author

Chinki Sinha