Reshma of Kashmir

Reshma (1950 - November 2022), popularly known as Reshma of Kashmir, was a transgender singer and activist from Srinagar, Kashmir.[1][2] She attained celebrity status and videos of her singing have garnered thousands of views on social media.[3]

Early life

Reshma was born in Srinagar. She had two sisters and six brothers.[1] At age 11 she realised her talent and love for singing and dancing.[4] 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.[1][4]

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.[1][4] The head of the client's family gave her a chit with the word "reshma" on it, which Reshma subsequently adopted as her name.[1] Her mother reacted negatively when Reshma told her of the interaction, so she decided not to pursue singing.[1][4]

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.[1]

Activism

Reshma was at the forefront of transgender community's struggle for dignity in Kashmir.[5] 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.[6]

In media

Reshma was included in a 2022 documentary on transgender Kashmiri people, entitled Trans Kashmir.[7]

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.[8]

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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