When she came out for a second time a year ago in January 2021, fashion designer Saisha Shinde didn’t know about the massive impact the news would have. Shinde, who was assigned male at birth, identified as a gay man.
“Being vocal when I came out as trans was crucial. That’s also why I took some time. I knew that if I was going to come out, it was not going to be just me and my friends talking about it, but pretty much everyone,” she says.
Today, she is India’s first openly trans woman designer, one who has dressed the likes of Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, Kareena Kapoor Khan and several others. She is also someone who has consistently championed trans rights by using her social media platforms to speak about her life.
In an exclusive interview with iDiva, Saisha Shinde opens up on the importance of mental health, trans issues, and why it’s high time trans people in India saw themselves represented better in pop culture. Excerpts from an interview:
Image credit: Saisha Shinde
On being vocal about trans issues
“Before coming out as a trans woman, I prepared myself that the outcome could be negative or positive, and by negative, I mean there could be a lot of trolling. My Insta DMs and comments could be filled with words like chakka, hijra, all of that. So I had to mentally prepare myself that this was also inevitable. But I was pleasantly surprised, honestly. Barring three-four nasty remarks, it was only positive and supportive comments.”
On inspiring people through her social media
“When I thought I was gay, I came out instantly to everyone. And when I accepted that I am trans, I came out instantly as well. Obviously, for me to accept that took a long time but the moment I did, I came out. The reason I came out was because I wanted to live my life truly and openly. I didn’t want to be answerable to anyone as far as my identity is concerned.
Image credit: Instagram/officialsaishashinde
That it became what it became is not something I expected. And that really opened my eyes to a large extent, how discussions around trans people are much needed. It was shocking to me because all the newspapers had it on the front page. And I thought, ‘It’s just me coming out, why is this news?’ But I understood how important it is.”
On the importance of mental health
“I remember a defining moment [for me] was when Sushant Singh Rajput passed away. We were in a lockdown and to have someone like him pass away—knowing that mental health was involved—was huge. As someone who has been through mental health issues and depression, it was extremely scary for me. I have been on medication for depression as well and I know the repercussions if you do not deal with these issues.”
Image credit: Instagram/officialsaishashinde
On the lack of representation for trans people
“I think the reason why a lot of trans people, or for that matter gay people, don’t come out [gay people still come out a lot more but trans people not as much] is because there is so much stigma and shame attached to it.
The only reference point they would have are the caricature creatures—I’d call them caricature creatures—in movies and on television. Who’d want to be identified as that?
When you have someone like me, you can relate. That you can be successful, you can have a great social life, a great family life as a trans person—it’s all possible. And that’s one of the reasons why I have kept everything extremely open on social media.”
Image credit: Instagram/officialsaishashinde
On what cis people could be more empathetic about
“Ever since I have come out, I have been very clear that I come from privilege. I have been a designer for the last 15 years. People know me and respect me. So, for them to respect me now is fairly easy.
But all trans people who are fighting for their space aren’t as privileged as I am—they are certainly going through hell. Their daily chores, the basic things they do every day, whether it is travelling from one spot to another or using a public restroom, are extremely difficult.
Having said that, we come from a country where there are a lot of heavy-duty issues. So for us to expect a revolutionary change is a bit unfair. We still are in a country where I can get my Aadhar card, PAN card and passport only on the basis of the fact that I feel and I know I am a woman. I don’t need to show any legal document and that in itself talks a lot about our country. I just hope that people empathise with us and that more people talk about it.”
Image credit: Instagram/officialsaishashinde
On her hopes for the future
“There should definitely be counselling in schools, especially schools that are not co-ed, because girls and boys are trapped and they have no one to talk to. If education in terms of gender identity is part of your system right from the start, then there won’t be that much of a stigma. It’s high time we do it because we are in a country that claims to be progressive, at least the metropolitan cities.
I really hope that India becomes a lot more normalised to trans people. I really want there to be several hundred thousand of trans people, just living a normal life. So that when you see a trans person on the street and in a coffee shop, you don’t have to look because there are so many. And I really hope that happens soon.”
Lead and social image credit: Saisha Shinde
