On Bhumi Pednekar's birthday, we reflect on her candid interview with Mid-Day, where she emphasised embracing her authentic self. Bhumi discussed her dedication to her craft, viewing it as her way of contributing and ensuring she made an impact. She highlighted that her career choices are not about maintaining an image, especially noting how the pandemic has influenced her selection of film roles. 

What if you walk into a salon for a blow-dry and find the stylist to be one from the third gender? What if you enter a little cafe for a hot cup of coffee and you are greeted by someone from the third gender who brings you the menu? Your coffee will still taste good and your blow dry will still make you look polished. But will you be pleasantly surprised or apprehensive? “We have seen all sorts of reactions”, says Zoya - manager at the Trans Cafe in Mumbai - who manages a restaurant run by the Transgender community. Shyamali - a member of the transgender community who works as a stylist at the transgender-run Transformation Salon in Prabhadevi shares similar thoughts. These two enterprises run by Zainab Patel are proving to be a beacon of hope for the transgender community. As Pride Month 2024 concludes, watch this video that gives hope for a bright future.