Journalism of Courage
The pandemic has burdened the economy, and in the northern part of India, the heavily-marginalised and ostracised transgender community in Kashmir has been braving this crisis for many months now. Twenty-two-year-old Maliaka Sheikh's colourful singing and dancing community stands at the helm of disquiet and insufficient income. Malaika said, "At the beginning, it was difficult for my family to understand me, but fortunately, they have now accepted me for who I am." (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Kashmiris Azimi Bhat, right, Hinna Bhat, center and Khushi Mir share a light moment outside their guru's house at the end of a special meet of their community members in Srinagar. Mir, along with four young boys, has created a volunteer group distributing food kits to transgender community members. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Babloo Sheikh is one of the few in the community to be living with a family. Most of the community folks don't have proper housing and share Babloo's lived experiences. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Seen here washing clothes, Rinki Ahmed was once a model in Mumbai in her younger days. Of late, she works as a matchmaker. "In Kashmir, we have seen a lot of bad times due to the conflict, but that never stopped me from going out. But this time nobody lets us inside their homes. I don't blame them as I am scared myself," Rinki said. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Ever since the song and dance was displaced from Khushi Mir's life, she took a job as a construction worker for 15 days that paid $9.60 (INR 703.58) a day. Mir has set up a charity, along with four friends, to distribute food kits to members of the transgender community. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Khushi Mir shares a laugh with friends after a meeting of community members in the outskirts of Srinagar. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Mahreen Bhat poses from within the confines of her rented flat. Even in the face of an all-time economic low, years of societal exclusion, Mahreen chooses to smile defiantly. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
One of the few fortunate homeowners in her community, Shabnam Ganie offers prayers at home. She lives with her adopted son and hopes for better, kinder days. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Manu Babo, 19, makes Instagram videos from home. Even during the pandemic, Mano received assignments from her social media profiles. Living in the shadow of a health crisis and an already unaccepting society, Manu chooses to resist. Her instagram account reads "A Proud Transgender". (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
Gurur Shabana Pallo speaks during a special meet of community members in Srinagar. In a region fraught with violence and instability, these community meetings provide a sense of solidarity. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
