For the LGBTQ community in India, nothing comes easy. For transgenders especially because it is their career, which under most circumstances, goes for a toss. Adam Harry, a 20-year-old transman shares a similar story. Adam who was disowned by his family continued to fight all odds in order to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
And he did fulfill his dreams! Adam is the first transman from India to get a private pilot license. The Kerala Govt has already made plans to provide him all the financial aid he needs. A sum of Rs 23.34 lakh has been allowed by the Ministry of Social Justice to help Adam continue his education. Adam will soon be training to become a pilot after he is made to join the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation in Thiruvananthapuram.
Adam had transitioned into a man after he completed high school, right before he left for Johannesburg in South Africa to pursue a private aviation course. His family, however, did not approve of his life choices and they decided to cut off from their son when he was 19. He is currently based out of Cochin where he is working with an aviation firm.
“It was during the period of training in Johannesburg that my family actually understood who I was. Right after the course ended, I headed back to India. There, I was literally imprisoned. I suffered mental and physical torture. With no other recourse, I had to run away from home,” Adam told a publication. He further said, “I want the transgender community to live without fear in India. They should be accepted by society. I still have faith that my parents will accept me.”
Adam told a leading publication that he wished to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) some day. “Commander Abhinandan’s heroics have inspired me to join the IAF. Unlike foreign countries, India has not enrolled any trans people into the force. It would be great if our country would allow passionate youth like me by giving importance to our skills than our gender. If selected and trained, we will also get the opportunity to serve our nation and this would also empower people of my community across the country,” he said.
Well, we sure need to start listening to their struggles to understand how we can do right by them as a society.
All the very best, Adam!
Featured Image: Facebook
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