Sruthy Sithara’s journey is one of resilience, triumph, and a relentless fight for equality. In 2021, she etched her name in history, becoming the first Indian transgender woman to win an international beauty pageant – Miss Trans Global. But her crown is merely a symbol of the multifaceted force she embodies: model, actress, activist, and a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community.
Milestones upon milestones
Born in Vaikom, Kerala, Sithara’s life began with a dissonance between self and society. She experienced gender dysphoria, but it wasn’t until after college that she embraced her true identity. While navigating this path, she carved a unique space in the Kerala government, becoming one of the first four transgender employees and working alongside the renowned K.K. Shailaja. Her ambition soared even higher, with a dream of becoming India’s first transgender IAS officer.
Destiny, however, had other plans. In 2018, Sithara stepped into the world of modeling, captivating audiences with her grace and confidence. She won “Queen of Dhwayah,” Kerala’s first beauty pageant for transgender women, and soon, her sights were set on the global stage.
Six months of intense preparation culminated in her crowning moment at Miss Trans Global. The victory was bittersweet, dedicated to her late mother and friend Anannyah Kumari Alex, a transgender activist whose tragic death highlighted the struggles of the community due to medical negligence. Sithara’s win resonated far beyond the pageant world, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience for transgender individuals across India and beyond.
But her activism wasn’t confined to a crown. She founded “Kaleidoscope,” an online campaign advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and “Rise Up Forum,” tackling broader societal and environmental issues. Her voice resonated through college talks and vibrant murals in Kochi, each stroke painting a picture of a more inclusive future.
A Bollywood Queen
Sithara’s aspirations extend beyond activism and into the world of cinema. Acting in various leading roles, such as the romantic film, “Pink,” where she plays a transgender CEO navigating love and relationships. She is proudly making strides towards dismantling stereotypes and fostering inclusivity in Malayalam cinema. She was also the cover girl for Adidas, Mega Malls, multiple businesses and so many more.
Karma Says : If you focus on hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow. You will definitely get the result of your efforts if you really dream for it,
– Queen Sruthy Sithara
Her story, is one of aspiration realised, fighting for others, and breaking barriers, continues to inspire, reminding us that dreams, like crowns, can be conquered with courage and determination. This role is not just a personal milestone, but a powerful statement for transgender representation in Indian cinema.