Kicking against all odds

This proud trans grandfather is fighiting poverty and prejudice to make his granddaughter’s dream come true.

Shilpa P.

Akram Pasha alias Shabana is a 61-yearold trans man from Mysuru who is discriminated against and is subject to transphobia constantly. In a society that is rooted in misogyny and transphobia, his children and grandchildren also face stigma because of his queer identity. However, he ensured that his children had a pleasant childhood and a smooth transition into adulthood despite the challenges he faced. He is a constant pillar of support to his daughter Asma even today. Asma, a mother of four daughters, was abandoned by her husband since she did not give birth to a male child. While she was shunned by society that is cruel to such women, Akram stood firmly by his daughter. Beating poverty by begging, he is currently taking care of his daughter and the e d u c at i o n of his three granddaughters who are studying in the ninth, fourth and third grade. Additionally, he is going to great lengths to help his granddaughter achieve her dreams-- Bibi Fathima, a 16-year old who wishes to become a kickboxer. Not only does Akram assist her in her academic life, he also takes her to the kickboxing training centre and stays there during her practice sessions. He continues to beg and saves up funds to enrol Bibi to competitions. The grandfather-granddaughter duo are now the pride of Mysuru as the latter has bagged several awards. She has won over 20 medals at the district and state level kick boxing contests and has won two gold medals at the Wako India Kickboxing Federation championship.

Bibi is now preparing to participate in international contests. While she aims to contest at the Olympics, Akram is determined to help her make her dream true. “I will beg and arrange funds no matter how difficult it is. I feel proud and happy to see her achieving so much. Our family has suffered a lot due to the constant humiliation. We are grateful to the support of people of Mysuru who are supporting us” says Akram.