‘Beyond the Binaries’

The Gender Sensitization Cell of Nitte (Deemed to be University) organized a lecture, ‘Beyond the Binaries’ on 21st April 2022 at Avishkar Auditorium to create an awareness in the young minds about the struggles of the LGBTQ community.

The presentation was carried forward by Dr. Akkai Padmashali, Founder Ondede, social & political activist, na nayaki, State convener. Dr. Akkai is a transgender woman and a social activist and her journey has been instrumental in changing many lives of the members of this community. She received the Rajyotsava Prashasti, the second-highest civilian honor of the State of Karnataka, which speaks volumes of her courage and determination. This lecture brought about a social awakening and targeted the importance of gender inclusivity as also the need to stay away from the patriarchal notions of the social order and be in touch with the true essence of human life and values.

Dr. Akkai explained about the struggle one faces as a transgender, being denied job opportunities, being looked down upon as the weaker section of the society and being portrayed as a sex worker. It is rightly said - ‘What is life worth without trials and tribulations which are the salt of life’. Akkai has been nothing but an epitome of this. After all the hardships she faced, she still managed to emerge victorious as a proud social and political activist who now many look up to.