By Pritesh Kamble, Head of Inclusion Unit, CYDA
Supported by United Way Hyderabad
In India, the transgender community continues to face severe challenges in gaining equal opportunities, dignity, and acceptance in mainstream society. Even though legal recognition has progressed over the years, daily life for many remains marked by discrimination, exclusion, and lack of access to sustainable livelihoods. Therefore, many are forcefully pushed into either beginning or sex work.
Here is an inspiring journey of Manasvi, a transgender woman from Maharashtra, who transformed her life from being forced into begging to becoming an independent young entrepreneur. With support from CYDA’s Entrepreneurship Development Program and the safe space provided by Rainbow Katta, Manasvi built her confidence and initiated her own venture.
Background & Challenges faced
Manasvi holds a degree in B.Sc. fashion design, but still finds that opportunities are closed for her. Due to unbearable mockery and harassment from people at the workplace, she left her job. She tried to start her own business, but customers did not cooperate; instead, they offered her charity. Obtaining ID cards, business licenses and government documents, she felt like an endless battle.
Society assumes that our only options are begging or prostitution. People see us as an ornamental doll, not as professionals capable of hard work. Doing business is difficult in itself, but for a transgender professional, the challenges multiply – Recalls Manasvi
Learning to build a business
Manasvi’s life changed when her friend Reyansh introduced her to CYDA’s EDP, designed to equip her with essential business skills. Through organized sessions, she learned about:
- Business registration and documentation
- Financial management, savings and re-investment
- Strategies to handle competition
- Planning for sustainable growth
The training opened doors for her future. This initiative gave her practical knowledge about business, increased her confidence and made her realize that she could be identified as a successful entrepreneur.
The role of Rainbow Katta
Another source of strength for Manasvi has been Rainbow Katta, a safe umbrella created for the LGBTQIA+ community by CYDA. Here, members come together, share experiences, and learn about opportunities without fear of judgment. This social belonging provided her with the emotional strength to face entrepreneurship while managing the mental toll of everyday discrimination.
At Rainbow Katta, we can share anything without any hesitation. I learnt about government schemes, community programs, and most importantly, I felt accepted as a human being, says Manasvi
First step into entrepreneurship & transformation
Manasvi acquired new skills and confidence, stepped into business, with the grant of Rs. 10K received from CYDA. She set up a Diwali stall by investing Rs. 60K, where she earned a profit of Rs. 25K in four days. For the first time, she earned income with dignity. Today, she serves as a role model for other trans individuals, giving them hope that entrepreneurship is defined by skills and determination and not by gender. This achievement marked her first step into entrepreneurship, giving her both financial independence and confidence. She runs seasonal businesses, which include a firecracker mart, ayurvedic medicinal plants, and mango trading.
Her transformation can be seen in three dimensions:
Personal Empowerment – She regained confidence, dignity, and self-worth.
Economic Independence – She moved from survival through begging to reinvesting profits into expanding her ventures.
Community Leadership – She serves as a role model for other transgender individuals, proving that entrepreneurship is not defined by gender but by skill and determination.
“The younger generation gives me hope. They do not care about gender; they care about hard work and accomplishments,” she proudly says.
A celebration of LBGTQIA+ talent
Manasvi participated in YESummit 2025 at Christ College, organized with the YouthAid Foundation. She performed outstandingly in the pitching event and finished in 3rd place. Her innovative pitch gained recognition and earned her the opportunity to represent their community at a bigger platform in Bengaluru.
The initiative has shown that safe spaces play a key role in building confidence and awareness. Practical training is crucial, as it equips people with the skills they need to succeed. Additionally, financial support enables individuals to become independent and self-sufficient. Most importantly, we believe that inclusion is a fundamental right, not a privilege – everyone deserves equal opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential.
