Every year the Month of June is celebrated as Pride Month. The world celebrates Pride Month in honor of the LGBTQIA+ community, who have been through a lot just to be recognised and respected for who they are and they have come a long way.
Pride Month is about acceptance, pride, history, and love. Several campaigns and drives are held every year to educate people. The LGBTQIA+ community has fought a long battle for their rights to live a dignified life. It also showcases how far gay and lesbian rights have come, and what all is yet to achieve.
CitySpidey talked to Sandy Sair, she is a transgender and a trans model. She is 28 years old, born and brought up in Khongjom Bazar, Thoubal, Manipur, and she has a double graduation degree, BSc Forestry from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University and BSc honours in Physics from Manipur University, she is North-East trans model, now living in Delhi.
When we asked her about her family’s reaction to everything, she replied, “They weren't in shock as they have seen me since birth that I'm feminine and girly. I belong from a very strict family and they just ignored me and just wanted me to study more.”
“Around the age of 24, I came out and told my parents about myself. It was the time where I was thinking about who I am. I explained the difference between transgender and gay. Later my family supported me. They knew that I am doing good and I am not doing anything wrong. So now they are supporting me,” she said.
She added, “Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, most of the people bullied me but it didn't affect me to the core and at the same time there are many teachers who supported me in my studies. The problems I faced when I was growing up are like those of ignorance by the family and by our loved ones. There was no one to mentor me and so I followed my heart, got inspiration from many famous personalities.”
She continued, “I work with Robèrt Naorem, Arbin Tonjam, Suraj Waheng, Seema. These are famous designers from Manipur. They are working internationally and I also know a few famous designers of Delhi. I have been living in Delhi since 2012.”
“I came out after my 10+2 and changed myself. I have many friends, there are so many male and female friends, they support me all the time. I think my achievements as a model have helped people to accept themselves and be proud about it. Right now, I am working with Delhi Duty Free located at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Now, I live in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. I live alone but it doesn't mean that my family doesn't support me. We meet, have dinner and do family things together,” she added
She concluded, “In future, I want to live out of India to continue my career as a trans model and at last, I would like to say to my community, you be who you are and live life to the fullest, do no harm any living soul and environment.”
