“I Was Abandoned When I Was 15, Now I Want Every Destitute To Have A Safe Home”
My parents threw me out of my house in Gulbarga at the tender age of 15. They couldn’t accept that their only ‘son’ didn’t identify as male. I then decided to go to Bangalore, without knowing anyone in the big city. I spent two months sleeping on the footpaths, eating food that’s been thrown away, taking shelter under cardboard boxes. I know what it feels like to have no family, home, security or even a handful of rice. I would never wish this on anyone.
I then joined the trans community and started begging on the streets of Bangalore for a living. Every day was a struggle, yet I persevered and finally completed my diploma in mechanical engineering.
I wanted to do something good for myself and make a difference. I started volunteering for Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the administrative body responsible for civic amenities and infrastructure in the city, before starting Nammane Summane in 2020. This is the first shelter started by trans women for the orphaned and homeless started by trans women in India.
When I was sleeping on the streets, no one helped me. I hated the way people looked at me, as if we were some lowly beings. When your own family abandons you, you can’t help but think that no one is willing to help.
I didn’t want anyone to feel this way. Nammane Summane is a safe and secure home for everyone in need. It is a home for everyone who needs a place to feel comfortable and loved — intersex persons, orphans, transpersons, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons living with HIV, persons living with disabilities, senior citizens, and anyone else in need. We make sure they don’t feel neglected.
Me, along with four other trans women look after 40 people today. We also have a helpline number where people can call us, seeking help.
I am sure of one thing — if something happened to me tomorrow, my birth family won’t even bother to check on me. To them, I am already dead. But this family, whom I have chosen will be beside me — their blessings and love are what keep me going.
— Nakshatra, Nammane Summane, Bangalore
