Trans Woman’s Heartbreaking Revelation: “I Lost Lakhs Due to Discrimination”
In a stark expose of systemic transphobia in Indian workplaces, Jane Kaushik—a transgender rights activist and petitioner in landmark LGBTQ+ cases—shares how forced job loss stripped her of financial stability. “If I hadn’t been pushed out, I’d be earning ₹50,000+ monthly now,” she told NextMinuteNews, highlighting the economic devastation of discrimination.
From Top Performer to Ostracized: Jane’s Journey
Jane’s pre-transition career as a Delhi sales executive was thriving: she exceeded targets and earned accolades. But her transition triggered brutal backlash. “My manager said I ‘made others uncomfortable.’ Within months, I was forced to quit,” she recalls. Family rejection followed, leaving her homeless and jobless.
The Crushing Financial Impact
Post-transition, Jane faced repeated rejections despite her qualifications. “Interviews ended when they saw my documents or heard my voice,” she says. Surviving on odd jobs—makeup artistry, NGO consulting, even begging—she estimates losing ₹5-6 lakhs in potential earnings over 5 years.
Legal Battles & Weak Protections
As a petitioner under the Transgender Persons Act (2019), Jane fights for stronger workplace enforcement. “The law exists, but companies ignore it. Who’s penalizing them?” she asks. Her activism draws online hate and threats, but she persists: “I fight so others won’t suffer.”
Corporate India’s Inclusivity Gap
While firms like Tata Steel and Infosys lead with trans-inclusive policies, experts like sociologist Dr. Ankita Sharma stress: “Most lack gender-neutral facilities or bias-free hiring. Sensitization is non-negotiable.”
Hope Amidst Struggle
Now studying law, Jane vows to amplify advocacy. Her plea to employers: “We don’t want charity—just equal opportunity. Our skills deserve respect.” Her story underscores a national urgency: discrimination’s cost isn’t individual—it’s societal.
NextMinuteNews condemns transphobic discrimination and demands actionable corporate accountability.
