She’s talented. She’s confident. She’s here to prove that talent knows no gender. Meet India’s first transgender photojournalist who is breaking barriers, one photograph at a time. From facing prejudices and discrimination to struggling for acceptance and support, her journey into the world of photojournalism has not been an easy one. Social media has helped her find support and collaboration opportunities. For the Her Circle EveryBODY Project September edition, we’re excited to welcome Zoya Lobo, photojournalist and advocate for inclusivity and transgender rights.
The road to self-identification has not been easy for Zoya Lobo who spent most of her childhood in Mumbai’s Mahim area. As a teenager, she had to constantly take up odd jobs to earn a livelihood. Having faced biases and biases at every step, Zoya struggled to find acceptance both within her family and society. When words cannot do justice, images compel us to act. With a second-hand camera and power-packed determination, Zoya Lobo set out to change her life and break stereotypes. Some of the images clicked by her during the lockdown were picked up by publication houses, her work was appreciated and people started recognising her as India’s first transgender photojournalist. Today, she’s an advocate for inclusivity and empowerment within the transgender community. As a part of the Her Circle EveryBODY Project, she highlights the importance of creating opportunities for the transgender community and finding support online through social media.
For the transgender community, the journey towards acceptance and support is often filled with challenges. Building a supportive community is a prerequisite for an inclusive environment. And sensitisation towards acceptance of all gender identities and expressions is crucial for nurturing support.
“ If Zoya can make a difference, so can anyone else in my community. We need opportunities, we need allies,” – Zoya Lobo
Credits:
CEO & Editor-in-Chief: Tanya Chaitanya
Assistant Editor: Iona Chatterjee
Video Editor: Sameer More
Videographer: Harish Iyer
Stylist: Sonali Valecha
Hair & Makeup: Orane International School of Beauty & Wellness
Styling Assistant: Isha Modi
BTS Support: Yash Bedi, Gauri Gautam
On-location Support: Alkesh Kadam
Outfits:
Blazer Suit & Shirt: Prot
Co-ord Set: Zebein India
Scarf: The Yarn Story
Sari: GG by Asha Gautam
Jacket: Ancestry
Accessories:
Ring, Pearl bracelet, Gold chain necklace & Pearl necklace: Anti Pratha
Long necklace & earrings: The Slow Studio
Ring: Ethnic Andaz
Shoes: Paio