Abandoned By Her Own Family, This Trans Woman Is Now A Ray Of Hope For The Homeless

“I was only 15 when my parents threw me out of my house in Gulbarga. They couldn’t accept that their only ‘son’ didn’t identify as male. I was so young, I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I then went to Bangalore, without knowing anyone in the big city. I spent two months sleeping on the footpaths, eating food that’s been thrown away, taking shelter under cardboard boxes...I’ve seen it all. I know what it feels like to have no family, home, security or even a handful of rice. I would never wish this on anyone.” - Nakshatra, Founder, Nammane Summane

Nakshatra then joined the trans community and started begging on the streets of Bangalore for a living. However, this is not the life she wanted for herself. It was Nakshatra’s sheer will and determination that got her through some of the most difficult days of her life. And once she was able to stand on her own feet Nakshatra started Nammane Summane - an NGO helping the homeless. 

Nammane Summane Is A Safe Home For Anyone In Need
Nakshatra was able to complete her mechanical engineering and started volunteering for Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the administrative body responsible for civic amenities and infrastructure in the city, before starting Nammane Summane in 2020. This is the first shelter started by trans women for the orphaned and homeless started by trans women in India.

“When I was sleeping on the streets, no one helped me. I was also scared to ask anyone for help. When your own family abandons you, you can’t help but think that no one is willing to help. I didn’t want anyone to feel this way. Nammane Summane is a safe and secure home for everyone in need.” 

The NGO is a shelter for inter s*x persons, orphans, Transpersons,  LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons living with HIV, persons living with disabilities, senior citizens, and anyone else in need. Here, all their needs are taken care of. Nakshatra, along with four other trans women - Milana, Reshma, Soundarya, and Tanushree - looks after 40 people today. This includes senior citizens, orphaned children, people with mental disabilities, and more. They hear about people in need through the calls they receive on their helpline number and immediately go to their rescue.

Your Support Will Help Them Save Lives

Even before the NGO was registered, Nakshatra faced several hurdles due to stigma and discimination. Once they were able to begin, the lockdowns set them back. During this time, Nakshatra sold all her jewelry and used her savings to run the NGO. 

“We couldn’t even feed the people we were taking care of. Even rice, oil, and dal were difficult to come by. I’ve put everything I had into this NGO, and now I need your help to continue our work.” 

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Nakshatra now needs your help to get groceries, medicines, and toiletries for the residents of Nammane Summane. These essentials will help them care for the orphaned and homeless better, and give them the healthy and happy life they deserve. Nakshatra has been through a world of pain with no support or family. But she’s determined to make sure no one suffers as she did. You can join her on this mission to give the homeless and orphaned a better life. 

About the NGO:
Started in 2020 by Nakshatra, a trans woman, Nammane Summane is an NGO that shelters inter s*x persons, orphans, Transpersons,  LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons living with HIV, persons living with disabilities, senior citizens, and anyone else in need. Here, all their needs are taken care of. They currently have 40 residents, which includes senior citizens, orphaned children, people with mental disabilities and more.

Note: All the donations  towards this campaign is eligible for Indian Tax Exemption.