Our Words Build Power: Exclusion of Hijras in the Film Industry

Nandini Sabban is a multifaceted individual living in Maharashtra, India, who is known for her impactful work both in the film industry and as an advocate for the transgender community. Mikail Khan speaks to Nandini about how hijras and kinnars have been villainized and largely disposed of by our cishet and contemporary transgender communities in India. The episode also talks about genuine inclusion-based efforts that society can extend to hijra communities as well as the impossible beauty standards that hijras and trans women have to uphold within the Bollywood and independent film industries.

TRANS/NATIONAL is raising funds for Nandini's gender-affirming procedures. Please consider making a Venmo donation to @transnationalcollab to support this endeavor. All receipts of wiring the funds to Nandini will be transparently shared for those who request it.