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Sonam Kinnar 

Sonam Kinnar is a prominent Indian social activist and a leading advocate for the transgender community. Her work has significantly elevated the visibility and acceptance of the transgender community in India. India's first nominate counsellor from Nagar Nigam Ajmer and has spearheaded a number of initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare, education, and legal protections for the transgender community as well as for the girl child.

Early Life & Career

Her journey began at the age of 10 when she left her home and joined the transgender community in her area and escaped to Chandigarh. She received education till grade 8th where she then immersed herself in learning and mastering the classical dance form of Kathak and performed at various events.

Her path then led her to Ajmer, where Guru Dhapu Bai bought her for the value of 5 Lakhs from Chandigarh to Ajmer. Sonam continued to dance and sing and gradually transitioned into a role of a social worker. she passionately worked on issues such as women's rights, prevention of female infanticide and environmental conservation as well as water preservation. Eventually owing to all her social work she became the first transgender person in India to leave the traditional community structure to advocate for broader societal interests.

Recognising her efforts, Sonam was nominated as a counsellor for the Nagar Nigam in Rajasthan. In 2010, she joined Samajwadi Party under Akhilesh Yadav and was appointed as the party's secretary. Despite her contributions, she faced discrimination within the political arena, particularly from Akhilesh Yadav himself who, although providing her with resources to support the transgender community, did not fulfil his promises regarding her position in the party.

Undeterred Sonam left SP and contested the Nagar Palika Parishad elections in Sultanpur independently, garnering 10,000 votes for herself and establishing Sultanpur as her political stronghold. She continued to complete her education of class 10 & 12 exams in 2015 and 2017, respectively, and is further pursuing a B.A LLB from Lucknow University since 2019.

Current Position

Aligning with Prime Minister Modi's principles, Sonam joined Bharatiya Janata Party and currently serves as the Vice President of the UP Government's Transgender community at the state level. Her remarkable journey from a young dancer to a prominent political figure and social activist underscores her resilience and dedication to advocating for marginalised communities.