From encountering inquisitive glances and unpleasant comments, while begging in Mumbai locals to inspiring awe from everyone as India’s first transwoman photojournalist, Zoya Lobo’s story redefines the meaning of milestone achievements! Embodying unmatched grit and fortitude, the woman paved her to success amid the onslaught of the pandemic. While we all yearn for opportunities, she made the most of the little that she had and today she has credited herself with publication in some of the top dailies like Hindustan Times!
Charming and vivacious, her personality resonates with exceptional exuberance! While she dropped out of school at a young age, Zoya lived a life surrounded by a multiple difficulties but nothing could alter her spirit to excel. It was with her collected alms, that she purchased herself a camera, and unlocked her way to a bright career ahead.
Now, she is flooded with interview calls, collaborative projects for short films and umpteen opportunities to bring the marginalised community to the limelight. Further, she aspires to aid in the upliftment of other transgender individuals by helping them to develop skills for earning a dignified livelihood. Urging widespread acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ citizens, she asks the families to accept such children and provide them with a platform for development.
– Ankur Verma
PHOTO STORY
ZOYA THOMAS LOBO
A health worker takes a nasal swab sample from a passenger for Covid- 19 corona virus test in Mumbai 0n June 5, 2021.
A health worker takes the body temprature of a passenger to check for Covid-19 corona virus symptoms at the railway platform in Mumbai on June 5, 2021.
A transgender person getting a dose of Covishield Vaccine at the vaccination centre in Mumbai. SL Raheja hospital fortis associate along with social welfare organization Gaurav organized the city’s first Covid 19 vaccination drive for transgender persons and Hijras Community.
Relatives perform the last rights for Covid 19 victims during the funeral at a cremation ground on the outskirts of Mumbai, India
Family members collect the ashes of their relative who died due to Covid 19 at a cremation ground.
Salma Khan president of Kinnar Maa Ek Samaajik Sanstha provided ration, masks and sanitizer to the transgender community at Slums in Bandra during the second wave of Covid 19 pandemic in India. The transgenders were not able to meet their daily needs due to the pandemic situation.
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