Once mocked and driven to the brink, a transgender woman from a tribal village in Maharashtra has found dignity and purpose in the uniform of a forest guard.
Early Struggles in a World That Wouldn’t Accept Her
Born Vijay in a tribal community in Nandurbar district, Maharashtra, Vijaya Vasave grew up in an environment that offered little compassion to those who didn’t conform. In school and college, she was subjected to relentless ridicule from classmates and teachers for being “different.”
The psychological toll was severe. “During my early school and graduation days, I was trapped in a male body, yearning to be free,” she told Deccan Herald. The isolation and hostility pushed her to attempt suicide three times. She sought help through counselling, medication, and even a spiritual healer, but none of these efforts brought peace or clarity.
The Turning Point: Awareness and Acceptance
Her life began to change after attending a lecture by LGBTQ+ activist Bindumadhav Khire. He connected her to a psychiatrist who helped her understand her identity and guided her towards self-acceptance. Convincing her family was a gradual process. Vijaya showed them interviews of successful transgender individuals, helping shift their perceptions and earn their support.
In 2019, she began her gender transition. By 2022, she was living fully as Vijaya — embraced by her family, free from the identity that had caused her so much pain.
A Career Forged Through Determination
With the support of the Deepstambh Foundation, Vijaya began preparing for competitive exams. Her first attempt, at police recruitment, ended in disappointment. But she persisted, channeling the same resilience that had carried her through her personal transformation.
In 2023, her perseverance was rewarded when she passed the forest guard examination. She was posted to Akkalkuwa, a rugged forest region she now patrols with pride. Today, the woman once derided for being herself walks the forests with the authority of the state — and with the respect of colleagues and villagers alike.
For Vijaya, the uniform is not just a job requirement; it is a visible declaration that dignity, acceptance, and service can triumph over prejudice. “I survived,” she said, “and now I protect.”
