Who we are
We’re bold, we’re joyful, and we’re Unstoppable!. Get to know the faces behind the movement!
Our Story
Misfyt was founded in November 2023, as a youth-led organisation. We realise the need for more youth-led initiatives in the trans movement in India that can build on the existing wisdom and explore new solutions with fresh and intersectional perspectives on the issues.
For long, trans people have been either ridiculed or sympathised with. In both scenarios, deprived of the agency to lead their own change. We, as a trans youth-led organisation break those traditional barriers and claim our agency to create change.
Meet the Team
Our Values
Belonging
Love
Authenticity
Bold Commitment
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Background
India’s trans community has a history that is both rich and complex. Indian cultural scriptures & religious text has always had mentions of trans people. The trans women community in India has always largely lived in socio-cultural and religious groups called Hijras, Kinnar, Jogati and many such communities across India. Trans men and non binary people had been invisible for a long-time due to lack of cultural support structures. However colonial era ‘Criminal Tribes Act’ criminalised our existence and left trans people dependent on sex work and begging for centuries along with performing traditional ceremonies. In 2014, Indian supreme court recognised the injustices done to the community, upheld self-identification of gender and on the direction of the court in 2019 the Indian government passed the Transgender Protection of Rights Act 2019 that recognises trans identities and prohibits any kind of discrimination in education, workplace and in society. However, the law is too recent and more work is needed to undo the harm that has been done to the community over centuries of ostracisation.
Misfyt hopes to help create more systemic changes and awareness to support trans people in India live with dignity.
Challenges
- 92% of trans people denied the right to participate in any type of economic activity
- 89% said most qualified among them are unable to find jobs
- 58% drop out of education due to bullying
- 40% attempt suicide atleast once in lifetime
- 2% stay with their parents
- $32 billion economic loss to India due to homophobia & transphobia
Why now?
In 2019, Indian government passed the Trans Protection of Rights Act. For the first time, we’re seeing trans individuals in diverse roles—from lawyers and pilots to professors and artists. Young people are pursuing higher education, securing meaningful jobs, and challenging the limitations.
As per the 2011 census there were 5 lakh trans people in India however statistics as per population estimate 12M trans people. Young trans people have less resources and require support and Misfyt is hoping to create that ecosystem.
Why us?
As a trans youth-led organisation, we feel we are closest to the problem statement due to our lived experiences and are most equipped to solve for our challenges
Our team consists of team members with varied technical expertise including that of running non-profit organisation, working with governments, working with corporates & building youth movement
We are reflective of the space we take and the voices we represent not just for current generation but for upcoming generations
