The TRANScend Podcast: Recent Episodes
Saranya Bhattacharjya
Welcome to the TRANScend podcast!
TRANScend is a project that works towards fostering inclusivity in the mental health sector, specifically access for transgender individuals. We aim to undertake awareness and action initiatives surrounding trans-inclusivity in the sphere of mental healthcare in India by working collaboratively with the trans community and those that work for trans rights. In the TRANScend podcast series, we’ll be interviewing different people situated within the movement for transgender rights and inclusivity. Join us on this journey and let your mind open to new perspectives!
In this episode, Saranya will be touching upon the painful and jarring reality of violence against trans people, in conversation with our guest who has survived physical abuse themselves. The course of this episode might be triggering (TW: emotional and physical abuse, anxiety).
In this episode, Saranya will be speaking with Shilpi Banerjee, an esteemed mental health practitioner with 14 years of experience as a trans-affirming therapist. They joined us to speak about the power dynamics in our society, the resulting experiences of minority stresses, and how they impact our lives. We also touch upon their work experiences with trans individuals, the intersection between trans rights and mental healthcare, as well as the steps one can take to be a better ally!
In this episode, Saranya will be speaking with Prateek, an avid dancer who has been a member of the Drag Community in India for four years now. Prateek is joining us to discuss the public perception of Drag queens in the country and how it has evolved in recent years, in addition to how drag, as an art form, contributes to breaking gender constructs.
In this episode, Saranya will be speaking with Rudrani Chhetri. Rudrani started the Mitr Trust, a non-governmental organisation that works towards improving the lives of transgender individuals all over India, through various initiatives. Rudrani is joining us today to talk about what one can do to be an ally or a friend to trans individuals, in addition to sharing her own story and her personal struggles over the last 16 years.