How have your days been since February 23 (when announced as spokesperson of VBA)?
The number of phone calls have doubled since that day. Some have called for interviews, others to congratulate, my phone is always ringing. More people have started recognising me, in fact a few minutes back a man walking past me, stopped and asked: ‘You are Disha right?’ and smiled and congratulated me.
I have realised from the day of announcement, that my responsibility as a citizen, or now as a political spokesperson has increased. I am aware that what I speak, eat, wear, behave and opine will be a matter of concern for many and it will have an impact on the public. Therefore, I would like to be more responsible as I take charge of my new role.
Describe your role. What are your responsibilities as a spokesperson of VBA?
My responsibilities are similar to spokespersons of other parties. My job will be to connect people with the party, to reach out to more people and make them aware about our party policies and provisions and to be there for commoners whenever required.
When did you realise you were fit to take up this role?
I was in Nashik at a gathering where, I first revealed that I am associated with VBA. I started working with the party long ago but during the Koregaon-Bhima incident I contemplated pursuing politics as a career. Slowly with my position and public addresses and work, Balasaheb (Prakash Ambedkar) identified my efforts and offered the role of a spokesperson a couple of months back. He asked if I was prepared and ready to take up such a post, to which I replied yes! I have never been a spokesperson of any area, division or district. Now I am appointed directly as State spokesperson. So I was a bit nervous, but confident to serve for the party with endurance.
You have been a follower of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s philosophy. Is that the reason why you joined the party?
The party’s name is Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi, a party of underprivileged, I too come from a ‘vanchit’ community. My rights, respects, gender identity, social justice were denied by society. In every party, politics of divide is played, but here I found that this party doesn’t differentiate between humans. It’s an inclusive party.
LGBTQ has remained a topic of political interest for several years, but none have come out with concrete solutions to give justice to the community. Fight for LGBTQ rights began in the 90s. But even after 30 years, there has been no promising law or right defined for the community. The Transgender Bill, 2018 denies our right and violates our privacy by demanding gender certificates. Now maybe I can more strongly take the fight ahead as I have a voice.
Moreover, unlike other parties where transgenders are hardly seen to opine on serious issues like war or communal problems or policy making, this party allows me to think and respond on my own. I don’t want to be a symbol in any party, I want to make my own decision, speak what I feel, share opinion on relevant issues and work for the community without any organisational pressure. I feel safe to work in this party, as my opinion will not be suppressed.
Being a transgender leader, does it affect people from sharing their problems?
The two words ‘Jai Bhim’ resonate so strongly among people that when you start your conversation or public address with it, you have their ears.
People are bound to take you seriously because you are speaking for them on a political level. From scheduled castes, scheduled tribes to Dalits, I have spoken with the children of Maratha community about their community challenges. I have seen the difference in public’s perception when their problems are discussed and efforts are made to resolve it.
Transgenders are taking up bigger roles in mainstream, such as becoming principals of colleges/university, political roles, social work etc. Do you think it is a step forward for the community to make better space in society?
Like the man stopping by and congratulating me for the achievement, people’s perception towards the community is changing. I feel gender sensitisation will happen slowly in our society. It will take its own time but changes are happening and can be seen. As transgenders are coming out of closet and choosing to make careers, be in any sector like education or social work, people are recognising them and have now started to show respect towards them.
Three years back when I started to serve the society, I began to address the problems of women and children. I would talk about their challenges and rights. I have always believed that if you speak about people, they will speak about you in return. These women and children I would work for had started talking about my challenges, issues and achievements. We are a society of complexity, therefore we all have to be empathetic towards each other.
