Jharsuguda: Breaking social barriers and aspiring to use legal education to empower her community, a trans woman, Pratap Kumar Das, who goes by the name Kushi, enrolled in the LLB course at Prasanna Panda Law College at Purnabasti in Jharsuguda on Tuesday.
Kushi, who presently resides near Pahadi Mandir, said she wants to become a lawyer and use her knowledge of law to help members of the transgender community as well as other people in need.
“From a very young age, I realised that I was different. Initially, I thought I was alone, but as I grew older, I came to know that there were many others like me. I also gradually understood how society looks at us when we identify ourselves as transgender,” Kushi said.
Kushi said she completed matriculation and subsequently pursued graduation from PKSS College, Kantapali. However, she did not openly identify herself as a trans woman during her student years, fearing that doing so could create hurdles in completing her education.
After completing graduation, Kushi stayed with her guru in Sambalpur and became closely associated with the transgender community. The experiences she gained during this period eventually strengthened her resolve to pursue higher education and work for the rights of the community.
“Society has traditionally recognised men and women, while the transgender community has largely been left behind. But many transgender persons across Odisha have done remarkable work and inspired others,” Kushi said.
She particularly credited her guru, Bindia Kinnar, for supporting her journey. “My guru has supported me like a mother and continues to stand by me. I did not want to take a wrong path in life. By studying law and understanding our legal rights, I want to help needy people, irrespective of whether they are transgender, male or female,” she said.
Kushi said the Constitution provides equal opportunities to every citizen and hoped her decision would encourage more transgender persons to pursue higher education.
“I have come forward with the hope of creating a better future for my community. I want more transgender persons to study and become self-reliant. After becoming a lawyer, I want to work for my community and everyone who needs legal assistance,” she said.
Bindia Kinnar, president of the Kinnar community in Sambalpur, said she had encouraged Kushi to continue her education from the time she came to stay with her.
“When Kushi first came to me, she said she wanted to stay with me, follow the traditions of the transgender community and also continue her studies. I have seen how transgender persons are treated in society, and I did not want her to face the same hardships. I therefore encouraged her to continue studying, and today she has enrolled in LLB,” Bindia said.
She said attitudes towards transgender persons were gradually changing but called upon families not to abandon children because of their gender identity.
“We are human beings like everyone else and deserve acceptance and respect. I request parents not to abandon their children if they identify as transgender. Keep them with the family, support their education and give them opportunities. Today, transgender persons can become police personnel, doctors, engineers, lawyers and succeed in every profession,” Bindia said.
Prasanna Panda Law College principal Dipak Kumar Tiwari said Kushi was the first transgender student to take admission in the college.
“This is the first time a transgender student has enrolled in the LLB course at our college. She wants to study law so that she can help her community, family and society. We welcome her to the college and hope her education will enable her to contribute positively to society,” Tiwari said.
College authorities said Kushi’s admission could also encourage other transgender persons in the region to pursue professional education and build independent careers.
