In India, 92% Transgender people are unemployed and close to 80% drop out of school. In 2014, the NALSA judgement was passed which acknowledged Transgenders as a third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights. In 2019, Transgender Person Act was passed which provided for the protection of rights of Transgender people. The lack of data adds to the invisibility of Transgender people. 

In this episode we celebrate Joyita Mondal. Joyita Mondal is the first transgender judge at a Lok Adalat in Dinajpur, West Bengal. A Lok Adalat is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India. In addition to this role, she works as an activist, social worker and founded her own organisation called Dinajpur Notun Alo, which means Dinajour New Light which is currently reaching out to thousands of transgender people in her state. 

In the episode Joyita shares her journey growing up, her hobbies and her friends. She then speaks about running away from home and starting from scratch in another city. She tells us what led to her re starting her education, starting social work and finally becoming a judge. Joyita shares her hopes and wishes for her community. 

Note - This conversation was recorded over Zoom. In case you have feedback or guest suggestions, please write to [email protected]. If you want technical or consultancy support to launch your own podcast, write to [email protected] 

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