India's first trans queen: 'Show yourself loud and proud'

Miss Trans Queen 2019 saw participants from across India shedding light
on the fact that transgenders can achieve a lot more if they are given the
opportunity to prove themselves.

Though recent changes in the law have made life a little easier for the
country's trans community, they still face widespread discrimination.

For many years, Nithu RS fulfilled the responsibilities of a son and brother
in keeping with the gender assigned at birth. While Nithu identified as a
transwoman as early as middle-school did not come out to the family then.
“When I came to Bengaluru in 2007, I saw many people, especially transpersons,
begging. I was convinced that if I did my duty towards my family, completed
my education and showed my talent, they would accept me.
Then gender wouldn’t matter,” recalled Nithu, the crown winner
of the 3rd Edition of Miss Trans Queen India 2019, which concluded in the national capital Friday.