Breaking the glass ceiling to lead a normal life

Alaka is Telangana’s first transwoman appointed by the judicial authority

Transcending the barriers of discrimination, inequality and frequent heckles, Asadi Alaka (30) made it to the storied portals of Indian Judiciary with grit and determination.

Unlike many people from her ilk, Alaka, who has been leading the life of a transgender since her teenage years, was overwhelmed by the feelings of femininity.

Distinguished by attire and sense of purpose, she worked her way off into the judiciary, thanks to the unstinted support extended by the District Legal Services Authority, Nizamabad.

Alaka is the first transwoman to be appointed by the judicial authority in Telangana. “I am now a fulfilled personality. Our Constitution gives respect to individuals that a citizen deserves. I shall be more accomplished if I could be an inspiration to the swelling queues of unemployed, lost in a world of despair,” she told The Hindu.

Alaka, who never wanted to be stereotyped as a transgender alms seeker, chased her dream of living a respectful life and graduated as a physiotherapist. She worked at a private hospital in Nizamabad before getting appointed as an office subordinate in the district court.

“I have struggled a lot since my childhood to lead a normal life. Now, after getting this job, I feel like a normal person. There is no stereotyping at work place and everyone treats me like a normal person,” Alaka said.

In case she feels uncomfortable with the new work with which she is not familiar, her colleagues train and support her. “They say they are always there for me and I feel great,” she said.