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Reshma of Kashmir

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Singer and transgender activist from Kashmir

Reshma (1950 - November 2022), popularly known as Reshma of Kashmir, was a transgender singer and activist from Srinagar, Kashmir. She attained celebrity status and videos of her singing have garnered thousands of views on social media.

Early life

Reshma was born in Srinagar. She had two sisters and six brothers. At age 11 she realised her talent and love for singing and dancing. As a child, she was bullied for her feminine clothing choices and style of speaking. She dropped out of school after fifth standard as a result, and began working as a tailor under the supervision of her uncle.

Career

At the age of 22, Reshma was asked to sing by a tailoring client after she came by their home in Lal Bazar to drop off some clothes. The head of the client's family gave her a chit with the word "reshma" on it, which Reshma subsequently adopted as her name. Her mother reacted negatively when Reshma told her of the interaction, so she decided not to pursue singing.

She changed her mind in 2001, after she began caring for her brother's four children after he died in an accident. Working as a wedding singer became a viable option for income in order to support her family.

Activism

Reshma was at the forefront of transgender community's struggle for dignity in Kashmir. In 2011, Reshma, along with other transgender activists, approached the state's social welfare department to initiate an 'Intervention Plan', aimed at rehabilitating transgender persons in the Valley.

In media

Reshma was included in a 2022 documentary on transgender Kashmiri people, entitled Trans Kashmir.

Death

Reshma passed away from cancer in November 2022 at the age of 70, leaving behind a lasting legacy through her songs and tireless work for the transgender community in India-administered Kashmir.

References

  1. ^ Mateen, Zoya; Mohammad, Moazum (17 November 2022). "Reshma: The Kashmir trans icon who fought pain to bring joy to people". BBC News. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  2. Manhotra, Dinesh (6 November 2022). "Who was singer Abdul Rashid; "Reshma of Kashmir" singer passes away [details]". www.ibtimes.co.in. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  3. "A glimpse into the lives of transgender people in Kashmir". gal-dem.com. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  4. ^ "Reshma: The story of resilience". The Kashmir Monitor. 6 November 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  5. Handa, Aakriti (29 November 2022). "Remembering Reshma: The Voice of Transgender People in Kashmir". TheQuint. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  6. Zargar, Haris (28 February 2020). "Kashmir's invisible LGBTQIA+ community". New Frame. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  7. "'Reshma, Babloo, Shabnum': Film on Kashmir's trans-genders premiers at International Queer Festival - The Kashmir Monitor". 9 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  8. "WATCH: Kashmir remembers a trans icon". Himal Southasian. 23 February 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
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