India has a rich history of acknowledging third-gender or non-binary identities, especially through the Hijra community, which has been part of South Asian culture for centuries. Over the years, some transgender individuals have risen to prominence in various fields in India. Here are some notable transgender individuals:

  1. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi: An eminent transgender rights activist, classical dancer, and actor. She’s been an influential advocate for the rights of transgender individuals in India and was a representative at the United Nations.
  2. Manabi Bandyopadhyay: Known for becoming India’s first transgender college principal, serving at the Krishnagar Women’s College in West Bengal.
  3. Kalki Subramaniam: An activist, poet, and actor. She’s the founder of Sahodari Foundation, an organization that supports transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
  4. Sathyasri Sharmila: She became India’s first transgender lawyer, registering in the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
  5. Padmini Prakash: Recognized as India’s first transgender television anchor.
  6. A. Revathi: An author and activist. Her autobiography, “The Truth About Me: A Hijra Life Story,” is one of the few autobiographies that provide detailed insights into the life and struggles of transgender individuals in India.
  7. Joyita Mondal: She became India’s first transgender judge when she was appointed to a Lok Adalat (a system of alternative dispute resolution) in West Bengal.
  8. Rudrani Chettri: A transgender activist who started the Mitr Trust, an organization focused on LGBTQ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. Chettri has also initiated the concept of India’s first transgender modeling agency.
  9. Anjali Ameer: Became the first transgender person to play a lead role in an Indian movie.
  10. Shabnam Mausi: The first transgender Indian to be elected to public office.

This list, though not exhaustive, shows the wide range of areas where transgender individuals have made significant contributions in India. Over time, as society becomes more accepting and as legal measures evolve, it’s anticipated that even more transgender individuals will rise to prominence in various fields.