We’ve all face discrimination in some form or the other but Archie Singh had it much much worse. Being a transwoman, 22-year-old Archie found it very difficult to achieve her dreams. She was never really rejected due to lack of skills or looks but just because she’s a transwoman. But despite all the challenges and hurdles, Archie managed to find her way to Miss International Trans 2021. Yep! Archie is all set to represent India on an International level and we are so proud!
Speaking to News 18, Archie said that she was often told that ‘You’re not a real woman’. The 22-year-old model faced immense discrimination because she didn’t fit into society’s standards of a woman.
Speaking about the challenges she faced, Archie said that she is trans but she is equally a woman. Archie has had a gender reassignment surgery, and even her official government ID recognizes her as a woman. But even after explaining this to people, they refused to listen. “They wanted a ‘woman who wasn’t trans’, but didn’t want to say that,” she said.
Well…we can only say that we’re sorry for what happened with you girl.
But in all of this Archie had some hope because her family supported her in every way possible when she came out in public at the age of 17. FYI, Archie belongs to a middle-class family from Delhi.
Talking about her experience coming out, she said, “I wanted to be the truest version of me, I didn’t want to pretend to be someone else anymore.” Soon after, Archie dived headfirst into her modelling career and kept at it till her gender-reassignment surgery.
Smashing stereotypes, Archie went on to win Miss Trans India and is also the brand ambassador for a renowned brand. Archie then went on to become a showstopper for several fashion shows, but the discrimination continued in spite of her success.
“Gender should never be a barrier. For any potential human, their humanity should come first as an identity. Not their sexuality, or choice of work. Before my modelling career, I was doing social work–I was working to spread awareness in people, about trans realities and trying to break the stigma about us. Modelling just gave me a platform to do that and more. It became my passion. Indians lack awareness, and I’m open to conversation. I’m willing to educate them. It shouldn’t be a stigma in this day and age,” she said.
Archie Singh will now represent India at Miss International Trans 2021 which is set to take place in Colombia. And her dream is not just to win the pageant but also to use the power she has to change people and their attitude towards the trans community. “I want people to see me as someone representing India, and not just my community,” says Archie.
More power to you girl! In a country where the trans community isn’t given opportunities to grow, Archie Singh didn’t just create opportunities but she also gained fame and managed to make India proud. This isn’t just Archie Singh’s success but a step in the right direction for the entire community. And we’re totally going to celebrate this moment!
Feature Image: Instagram
