Kalki documents how the pandemic affected the transgender community in all aspects

The transgender activist’s collection of poems, essays, monologues, art and illustrations in her new book is an expression of hope

A non-binary future for the transgender community is an impassioned plea from transgender activist and artist Kalki. She has attempted this vision in the form an essay, a utopian view of an inclusive future for her community in all walks of life, in her new book We Are Not The Others (Notion Press) launched on June 30. “I am excited and nervous,” says Kalki who has put together a collection of poems, essays, monologues, art and illustrations done over the course of the pandemic. Kalki, who is the founder of the Sahodari Foundation that provides counselling and support to underprivileged transgender community members, says the lockdown affected them in all aspects, particularly their mental health. “The uncertainties and lack of finances took a toll on the community’s health. The loneliness and isolation reminded me of my childhood when I used to look for places without humans, like a forest, to hide.”