Laxmi Narayan Tripathi is a well-known author, classical dancer, and transgender rights advocate from India. She has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights as a member of the hijra community, representing India at the UN and establishing the Kinnar Akhada to elevate the voices of transgender people in religion, culture, and society.

As the Breaking Barriers team at Tagore International School in Vasant Vihar, we sincerely appreciate Laxmi Narayan Tripathi’s invitation to participate in the Unspoken podcast last year. where we, as students with noteworthy personalities, discuss with the audience the challenges they have faced and their personal experiences. 

Laxmi Ji’s energy and vibrations were a true blessing to our podcast. 

Laxmi Ji had a difficult time at her own school. It had always been a difficult journey for her, from being called names to having trouble using the restroom. 

It all starts in your own home, as they say. Laxmi Ji, was abused by a member of her own family when she was very young. She was traumatized and received threats against her own family, but she learned to defend herself and realized what courage and power meant. She protested the harsh treatment. She didn’t allow anyone to treat her disrespectfully after realizing her own value. “The entire world changed for me as I said NO,” she said. She discovered the power within herself at that point, and it glowed when she said no.

Laxmi Ji only needed to make one statement to gain confidence. She claims that the summer break in the fifth grade was a turning point in her path. Gay activist Ashok Row Kavi’s words helped her change her pessimistic thoughts. Although Ashok stated, “The world around you is abnormal; you are normal,” Laxmi ji thought she was abnormal. This became her catchphrase.

She was more drawn to her artwork than to the remarks being made about her. She performed on various stages and regarded Bharatnatyam as her passion. The only place that treated her equally and without discrimination was Stage. It eventually became her only outlet for unrestricted self-expression and respect. 

They were the ones who helped her gain confidence and had a significant impact on her life, and she ended up becoming her teacher’s favorite. Laxmi ji was fortunate to have parents who were understanding and who consistently supported her. 

She advises our generation, among other things, to be more understanding and encouraging to others. Schools and parents should become sensitive enough to talk about these issues. She wants no one else to be subjected to the same treatment she endured as a student. She used to be afraid to use the restroom at school because she was always afraid of being teased by her classmates.

However, Laxmi ji overcame her difficulties. She had never considered “voh 4 log kya bolenge?” In 2008, Laxmi ji became the first transgender person to represent Asia Pacific at the UN.  She discussed the predicament of sexual minorities at the gathering. “People ought to act more like humans. They ought to take into account our rights as transgender people and treat us with human decency,” she stated.

Fighting for her own rights and gaining respect from the public was a long road, but Laxmi Ji, who was strong, bold, determined, and self-assured, made her own way and earned the respect she was due.

We are extremely appreciative of the chance to speak with Laxmi Ji.  

Working on Laxmi Narayan Tripathi’s article and connecting it to her interview was a powerful and eye-opening experience. It gave me deeper insight into her journey as a transgender rights activist, her courage in facing societal rejection, and her bold voice for the LGBTQ+ community in India. Through the interview, I could truly sense her strength, vulnerability, and determination, which added a raw and human touch to the article. Writing about her life not only made me more aware of the struggles the transgender community faces but also inspired me to become a stronger ally and advocate for inclusion.