Srijan Mallik (name changed), Kolkata, WB
I live in a joint family. My father works as a temporary sweeper in a government hospital, and my mother is a homemaker. Since early childhood when I was barely five. I loved playing with dolls, wearing sarees and frocks, and was naturally drawn to things usually associated with girls. I spoke and behaved in a feminine manner. But my parents strongly disapproved of it; they scolded and disciplined me for it. I never felt comfortable in my body because I have always felt like a girl from within.
My family wanted me to drop out of school. They never took me to any wedding or social gatherings because they felt I was an embarrassment. I could never express my feelings openly. Yet I had dream-I wanted to become a model someday, to live freely and acknowledge my identity with pride.
In November 2023, CINI’s community mobilisers visited our home and identified me as someone who needed support. They counselled my parents and helped them understand gender neutrality and my identity. Gradually, my acceptance in the community increased noticeably.
I participated in TDH’s PPM-being part of that event had always been my dream, and it finally came true. Now, I regularly visit the safe space created by CINI and TDH. I am also trying to bring other adolescents like me to the centre so that we can build an inclusive and supportive environment together.
(TERRE DES HOMMES works to protect the health, hygiene, education, safety, justice, and dignity of children. Through its initiatives, the organisation has improved the lives of many children. As it marks 50 years of supporting children’s rights in India, the above case story reflects the meaningful change its work has created.)
