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Laxmi Narayan TripathiIndian eunuch, gay rights activist
Country:
 India |
Content:
- Biography of Laxmi Narayan Tripathi
- Artistic Career and LGBTQ+ Activism
- Activism and Achievements
- Recognition and Media Representation
- Personal Life
Biography of Laxmi Narayan Tripathi
Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, an Indian eunuch and activist for the rights of sexual minorities, is a well-known Indian human rights defender, eunuch, transgender rights activist, as well as a film actress and dancer. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi was born in 1979 in Thane, India. She graduated from Mithibai College and later attended lectures on art within its walls. Tripathi pursued her postgraduate studies in choreography, specializing in the sacred Indian dance form, Bharatnatyam.
Artistic Career and LGBTQ+ Activism
During this period, Tripathi prepared several major projects for film and television and recorded several music albums. Simultaneously with her work in the arts, Tripathi actively engaged in LGBTQ+ activism, advocating for the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender individuals. Tripathi actively fought and continues to fight for their rights, having faced persecution since childhood. Tripathi recounts that she faced considerable adversity from intolerant individuals during her school and college years. However, her open character and friendliness ultimately turned even her detractors in her favor. Tripathi's parents, who always understood and trusted her, including her decision to change her gender, provided her with unwavering support.
Activism and Achievements
Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, a eunuch, serves as the president of the NGO DAI Welfare Society, an organization for eunuchs in South Asia. Tripathi's activities are extensive, including working in HIV/AIDS prevention, public awareness, and human rights advocacy. Tripathi is a member of the Bill Gates Foundation and a visiting professor at the School of Dance and Theatre in Amsterdam.
Recognition and Media Representation
Photographer Anita Khemka embarked on a major project, a photoshoot based on the life of Laxmi Narayan Tripathi. Additionally, German director Thomas Lothman produced a documentary film titled "Between the Line: The Third Gender of India," in which Tripathi became the central figure. Although born an Indian Hindu, Tripathi practices Sufism and annually visits the Saint Haji Malang shrine. Tripathi's overall mission is to ensure that sexual minorities in India are not discriminated against by employers. She firmly believes that if her fellow transgender individuals are readily accepted into the workforce, they would not have to turn to prostitution or stripping for survival. However, the current situation indicates that Tripathi will have a significant amount of work to do in the foreseeable future.
Personal Life
In terms of her personal life, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi has been in a close relationship with a man for some time now. She has two adopted children.
