Once relegated to begging at traffic junctions and often viewed as outcasts, a group of transgender individuals has redefined societal roles by stepping into the uniforms of traffic assistants with the Hyderabad City Police. This groundbreaking initiative by the Telangana government has not only fostered inclusivity but also empowered the transgender community with dignity and respect.

A Journey of Transformation: G. Kavi Raju’s Story

Every day at 4:30 a.m., while the world still slumbers, G. Kavi Raju embarks on a journey that is both physical and symbolic. At 36, Raju, newly appointed as a traffic assistant with the Telangana State Police, boards a bus from Siddipet district, traveling nearly 100 kilometers to the Marredpally Traffic Police Station in Hyderabad. By the time the city awakens, Raju stands ready at Jubilee Bus Station (JBS), directing traffic with authority and pride.

Clad in a crisp white shirt, khaki pants, and a police cap, Raju beams with pride as he navigates his two-hour daily commute. “It’s a long journey, but it gives me time to recharge and enjoy the respect I’ve earned. Villagers stare in awe when they see me in uniform,” he shares. Raju looks forward to relocating to the city and is driven by the desire to serve with greater dedication.

Breaking Barriers: The Role of Traffic Assistants

Raju is one of 44 transgender individuals inducted as traffic assistants in December 2024 under the Telangana government’s initiative to promote inclusivity. This program not only provides employment but also marks a significant step toward the recognition and acceptance of the transgender community in mainstream society.

The uniform represents more than a job; it symbolizes a second chance at life, allowing these individuals to embrace their identities with confidence and pride. For many, it has been a journey from the margins of society to becoming figures of authority and respect on the streets.

A New Dawn of Acceptance

Reflecting on their transformation, members of this pioneering group speak of the profound changes in their lives. “For the first time, strangers smiled at us and greeted us on New Year,” they share, highlighting a shift in societal perceptions that was once unimaginable.

The initiative stands as a testament to the power of inclusion, proving that with opportunity and recognition, marginalized communities can thrive and contribute significantly to society.

A New Beginning: Empowering Voices and Transforming Lives

At the bustling JBS junction in Hyderabad, just 500 meters apart, Raju and his colleague J. Shiva Ram, 30, command respect and attention. Commuters follow their directions with diligence, often acknowledging them with a nod or smile of reassurance.

For Shiva Ram, the police uniform is more than just professional attire—it represents freedom and a hard-won identity. Reflecting on his journey, he recounts a harrowing past as Sabitha Rani. “I was once placed under house arrest and almost forced to marry an older man. When I refused, my father beat me. Two months later, he passed away, leaving me to shoulder the entire family's responsibilities,” he shares.

Balancing a dual degree in Engineering and Arts, Shiva Ram worked as a manager at an organic foods company in Hyderabad while repeatedly attempting Sub-Inspector and Constable exams. Though he narrowly missed passing four times, fate had other plans.

“Even if I had cleared those exams, I wouldn’t have been known as J. Shiva Ram. Today, hearing my colleagues call me by this name is the highest form of respect I could ask for,” he says, beaming.

Despite undergoing significant physical changes, Shiva Ram feared abandonment by family and society until 2023, when his appointment as a traffic assistant in Marredpally marked a turning point. His mother and siblings, residing in Mancherial, embraced his new identity and supported his decision to live authentically.

Full Circle: Sania’s Inspiring Transformation

In Tolichowki, another inspiring story unfolds. Sania, 26, a trans woman, now directs traffic at an intersection where she once begged for alms. Her journey from surviving as a domestic worker, tailor, and street vendor to donning the police uniform is a testament to resilience.

“Standing here in uniform, where I was once shooed away, is surreal. People now respect and smile at me—it’s a feeling beyond words,” she shares. A native of Mahbubnagar, Sania reflects on a past overshadowed by societal prejudice and a lack of opportunity. “This uniform is a symbol of how far I’ve come.”

A Game-Changing Initiative

Transgender activist Vyjayanthi Vasanta Mogli lauds the initiative as revolutionary. “This program enables the transgender community to envision lives beyond begging, sex work, or seeking alms during festivals. It has ignited hope and aspirations among many,” she says.

Rachana Mudraboyina, another trans rights advocate, sees this pilot project as a milestone in breaking societal stigma. “It took a decade for our community to shed labels like ‘fake transgender.’ Now, more individuals are motivated to join the force. We are optimistic about its success and hope to see expansion into other government departments,” she remarks.

Institutional Support and Future Prospects

Hyderabad’s Commissioner of Police, C.V. Anand, stresses the importance of integrating the transgender community into mainstream society. “This initiative allows them to break the cycle of exclusion and prove their capabilities in roles traditionally denied to them,” he explains.

The recruits, appointed on a six-month pilot basis akin to Home Guards, earn between ₹26,000 and ₹30,000 per month, with access to medical benefits and welfare funds. “Depending on the outcomes, we’ll evaluate expanding the program by June 2025,” Anand adds.

Inspector J. Bhaskar of Marredpally Traffic Police highlights the department’s efforts to foster an inclusive work environment. “Our staff underwent sensitization training to ensure smooth onboarding and respect for transgender recruits. Their dedication and adaptability are commendable,” he notes.

The stories of Shiva Ram and Sania symbolize a transformative movement that offers dignity, opportunity, and hope to the transgender community, setting a powerful precedent for other states to follow.

First Paychecks: A Milestone of Dreams and Determination

K. Srivalli, 24, eagerly anticipates her first paycheck as she plans to buy her dream two-wheeler to commute between Jeedimetla and Mahankali, where she is currently posted. “This is the first paycheck of my life, and it feels incredibly special. I’m exploring two-wheeler options, and based on how much I can save, I’ll choose the one that suits me best,” she shares with excitement.

Srivalli’s journey from being Rajashekhar to becoming the confident and determined individual she is today has been marked by immense challenges and resilience. A native of Khammam, she moved to Hyderabad at 14 and underwent gender-affirming surgery. Since then, she has braved a spectrum of experiences, from working as a stringer for a local news channel to begging at traffic signals for survival.

“My parents have passed away, but even when they were alive, they never supported me. I was beaten and even branded with a hot knife. Today, the same people who abandoned me and never checked on me are now calling to congratulate me,” she says, reflecting on the bittersweet turn of events.

With a vision for her future, Srivalli aspires to become a Sub-Inspector with the Telangana Police. To achieve this, she has enrolled in an undergraduate program at Dr. Ambedkar Open University in Hyderabad. “I also plan to join coaching classes to prepare for the examination,” she adds with determination.

Nitya, 30, a native of Karimnagar, has a different plan for her first salary—it is dedicated entirely to her parents, Lingaiah and Lakshmi, in gratitude for their unwavering support. “My entire family, along with the village sarpanch, traveled to Hyderabad to celebrate my onboarding. Securing a job in the police department is challenging even for regular individuals. For the government to recognize us and give us this opportunity feels overwhelming,” she says, her voice filled with emotion.

Speaking about her experience in uniform, Nitya reflects on the newfound respect she has encountered. “The community has faced years of struggle and hardship. Even if someone reacts angrily, we let it slide with grace. But the overall response has been overwhelmingly positive. People respect the uniform and follow our instructions, often with a sense of reverence. It’s a completely new experience for us,” she shares.

Sania, another officer, has decided to use ₹10,000 from her first paycheck to throw a party for her friends and well-wishers who have stood by her through thick and thin. “They’ve been my pillars of strength, and this is my way of thanking them for never giving up on me,” she says with a smile.

These inspiring stories of Srivalli, Nitya, and Sania highlight not only the joy of receiving their first paychecks but also the journeys of perseverance, hope, and gratitude that brought them to this milestone. Their achievements serve as a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and self-belief.

Breaking Free from Fear

At just 25, G. Sarala commands the bustling Masab Tank traffic junction in Hyderabad. Yet beneath her poised demeanor lies an enduring fear—the threat of another attack from her own family.

Sarala left her home at the tender age of 16, determined to carve a path for herself. Overcoming numerous challenges, she completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at a prestigious college in Hyderabad. Following her studies, she worked as a helper at a medical center. However, her journey has been far from smooth. “My family forcibly took me back home three times, trying to impose their will on me,” she recalls. “They even forced me into a ‘boy cut’ hairstyle, physically assaulted me, and once admitted me to a rehabilitation center. But each time, I found a way to return to Hyderabad.”

When asked if her family is aware of her new role, Sarala sighs, her voice heavy with resignation. “No matter what I achieve, they will never accept me for who I truly am,” she says, reflecting the profound pain of familial rejection.

For Ishaan, also 25, the struggles have been deeply personal and uniquely harrowing. Now managing traffic at the Tilak Nagar signal in Amberpet, his journey is a testament to resilience. Abandoned by his partner after an elopement, disowned by his family, and repeatedly rejected by employers, Ishaan's life has been an uphill battle.

“After my parents passed away, I lived with my paternal aunt,” he shares. But life under her roof was far from supportive. “I felt physically sick and unbearably itchy every time I was forced to wear women’s clothes. I’d count the seconds until I could take them off,” Ishaan recalls with visible discomfort. His aunt’s disapproval compounded his anguish. “She insisted I should only shop for women’s clothing and stopped buying me anything new altogether.”

Although his aunt occasionally checks in on him, the lack of genuine acceptance remains a source of hurt. “In public, they still treat me as a woman, which is deeply uncomfortable. I’ve reached a point where I simply let go and stop fighting it,” he says, a tinge of resignation in his voice.

Both Sarala and Ishaan’s stories shine a light on the struggles faced by individuals striving to embrace their true selves in the face of relentless societal and familial pressure. Their journeys are marked by courage and determination, even as they navigate the complexities of identity and belonging.

Training and Onboarding

In September, the Telangana government took a historic step by launching India’s first-ever transgender-specific government recruitment and social welfare programme. This initiative marked a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and equality, with a well-structured and comprehensive selection process to identify suitable candidates.

Out of the 58 applicants who participated in the programme, 44 candidates were selected, comprising 29 transgender women and 15 transgender men. On December 6, the Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, formally handed over enrolment papers to 39 of these individuals, officially inducting them into government services.

The recruits underwent a rigorous two-week training programme at the Traffic Training Institute in Goshamahal. The training covered various aspects, including physical fitness, traffic management techniques, and strategies for addressing real-world traffic-related challenges. This hands-on preparation ensured that the recruits were well-equipped to handle their roles effectively.

Following their training, the recruits were appointed as traffic assistants and have been deployed across 20 traffic police stations in Hyderabad. These include prominent stations such as Amberpet, Bahadurpura, Banjara Hills, Begumpet, Bowenpally, Chandrayangutta, Chikkadpally, Chilkalguda, Jubilee Hills, Kacheguda, Langar Houz, Mahankali, Malakpet, Marredpally, Nallakunta, Panjagutta, SR Nagar, Santosh Nagar, Trimulgherry, and Tolichowki.

This pioneering initiative not only provides meaningful employment opportunities for the transgender community but also sets a precedent for other states in fostering a more inclusive society.