Two years ago, during the peak of the first wave of COVID-19, when the authorities and citizens were grappling with the fallout of the pandemic, Bengaluru-based transwoman Nakshatra, started an all-inclusive NGO that provides shelter and aid to those in need, including intersex persons, orphans, transpersons, differently-abled people, those living with HIV and senior citizens. Four of her friends, also transwomen, started assisting her.
“My friends Silk, Reshma, Milana and Soundarya agreed to help me, and we launched Nammane Summane,” said Nakshatra. Presently, the NGO caters to as many as 80 such people.
Starting the NGO was an uphill task as Nakshatra and her friends were met with suspicion and prejudice at every turn. “People called me a beggar or a sex worker.
When we were searching for a rented space, they would reject us openly for the sole reason that we are transgenders. Finally, a woman who owned a three-storied building in Gangondanahalli agreed to help us. We rented two rooms in the same building — one for male and one for female residents,” she said, adding that she pledged all her jewellery to set up the NGO.
Rejected by her family
Nakshatra, who was rejected by her family for her decision to become a transwoman, is driven to help others. “My native place is in Gulbarga. I was only 15 when my parents threw me out of my house. I was so young; I didn’t know where to go or what to do,” she recalled. She came to Bengaluru and spent months begging, eating discarded food, and taking shelter under cardboard boxes. “I know what it feels like to have no family, home, security, or even a handful of rice,” she said.
Her experience made her all the more determined to complete her education. “I begged during the day, and slept at Kempe Gowda Bus Station for over six months. I continued to beg, and earn money through sex work in Bengaluru.” With her savings, she moved to Delhi, and enrolled in a mechanical engineering course.
After graduating, Nakshatra returned to Bengaluru where she found employment at a private firm. Though she was finally able to enjoy a measure of stability in her life, she felt that something was missing. She found her calling in supporting orphans, the destitute and abandoned senior citizens.
Personal funds to run the NGO
Nakshatra relies on her personal funds and donations from individuals and organisations. She recently started a fundraising campaign and raised ₹1.5 lakh. “Our friends lend us some money whenever required. Otherwise, my transgender friends work in different jobs and donate a part of their income to the NGO. For instance, Milana works as a beautician, and Reshma is a tailor by profession, while Soundarya works with another NGO,” she added. Silk and Nakshatra spend time taking care of the people at our NGO.
Her friends, too, who have faced rejection from society, share her drive to help the marginalised. “We have been struggling all our lives, and don’t want others to go through what we experienced. We can’t expect everybody to donate for our initiatives, so we try to help Nammane Summane whenever required. We spend a part of our income for our NGO,” said Milana.
