The Silent Struggles of the LGBTQIA+ Community.

The commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality is truly inspiring. United Way Hyderabad is reaching out to underserved communities and driving meaningful change. Pritesh Kamble, Head of the Inclusion Unit at CYDA, shares insights into their transformative efforts, highlighting how inclusive programs are reshaping lives and fostering a more equitable world.

The LGBTQIA+ community, though vibrant and full of diversity, often faces unimaginable challenges due to societal biases and deep-rooted prejudices. In many parts of the world, acceptance remains a distant dream, and individuals are marginalized for simply being who they are. Despite these hurdles, many members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to break barriers, proving that determination can overcome even the most significant societal obstacles.

Mubina Sayyed, a 31-year-old transgender woman from Kondhwa, is one such remarkable example. Her journey from societal rejection to success as a makeup artist is a testament to the strength and spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Mubina’s Journey

Mubina’s story begins with a dream—one she pursued with determination despite the constant judgment and skepticism she faced post-transition. Like many transgender individuals, Mubina struggled to be accepted by society, even after transitioning. The lack of understanding and outright discrimination meant that her path was not an easy one. With a B.A. degree holder and a parlor license in hand, Mubina ventured into the world of makeup artistry after completing her 10th grade, armed with a fierce passion for her craft. For a long time, her business faced an initial lack of customers. At times, it seemed like her dream was slipping through her fingers. Lack of acceptance in her community compounded the difficulty, and Mubina often found herself questioning her ability to succeed. But despite the hardships, she never gave up. Her family remained a steadfast pillar of support, even when society failed to accept her.

One of the most significant challenges Mubina faced was a lack of recognition for her work. As a transgender woman, she was often judged more harshly than others. But her unwavering commitment to her passion eventually paid off. Slowly but surely, her makeup artistry gained recognition, especially among local clients and the LGBTQIA+ community, who saw her as an inspiration. Despite the societal challenges, Mubina’s work began to speak for itself.

A Life-Changing point

The breakthrough moment came when a friend introduced Mubina to CYDA’s business training program. The opportunity to learn new skills—such as savings and managing a side business—was transformative for her. CYDA’s guidance helped Mubina gain the confidence and financial literacy she needed to take her business to the next level.

With Rs.10,000/- grant from CYDA, Mubina was able to invest in high-quality beauty products that elevated the quality of her services. This investment proved to be a turning point in her business, and her earnings grew significantly from Rs.10,000/- to Rs.20,000/- per month.  This financial stability allowed her to expand her services and reach a wider audience. More importantly, it helped her feel more empowered, knowing that her hard work and dedication led her to a place of success.

Mubina’s story highlights the crucial impact that programs like CYDA’s can have on marginalized communities. By providing resources, mentorship, and grants, CYDA helps individuals like Mubina turn their dreams into reality, despite the external challenges they face. Mubina’s life also underscores the importance of recognizing the potential of the LGBTQIA+ community, which often goes unacknowledged in mainstream society. This is why initiatives like CYDA’s business training programs are so important. They provide a platform for marginalized individuals to develop skills, secure financial independence, and gain confidence.

The community has strength and spirit. Given the chance, we can achieve greatness. Society must recognize that the LGBTQIA+ community has much to offer and create inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of their identity, can thrive. By offering equal opportunities and support, we can empower the LGBTQIA+ community to break through the barriers that hold them back and foster a more inclusive, diverse world for all – Says Mubina