Rashmi Rekha Das, OP
Debolina Sasmal, the first transgender model of Orissa, is a change-maker in her community
Being transgender is not easy in a state like Orissa. Transgenders are subjected to abuse, bullying, and constant rejection, but there are a few brave persons who believe in themselves and their dreams and thus become achievers. Debolina Sasmal is one of them. With a strong stage presence and striking features, she is the first transgender model of Orissa. She is also a change-maker in her community. In a candid conversation with Sunday POST, the model describes her struggle to make a mark in the modelling field.
Born in a conservative family in Cuttack, Debolina suffered because of her identity throughout her childhood. Sadly, no one from her family understood her. “Born as a boy, I was often severely bullied for having feminine tendencies. As a child I was bullied at school, while at home I was pressured to conform to gender stereotypes by my father. I enjoyed wearing girls’ clothes, and at school I mostly had female friends. The kids at school used to mock me. At home, my father would scold me for my behaviour. Despite that, when I did not stop wearing girls’ clothes and started putting make up on my face, my parents sent me to my aunt’s house at Dhenkanal to see if that would bring a change in my attitude. During my five-year stay at my aunt’s house, I only became more fascinated by fashion and make up. My parents took me back home when I was eight. I started modeling secretly at home. My parents used to beat me severelyif I was caught. Their repeated attempts to change my behaviour were in vain.”
She continues: “I cleared Class X and Plus Two staying at home. With each passing day, I developed a desire to be a complete woman. Meanwhile, I loved watching television. I used to deliver dialogues and walk in front of the mirror like the actresses. And I decided to carve a niche for myself in the modelling field.”
When she finally decided to live her life as a transgender woman, there was chaos at home. While her entire family was against her decision, her sister Namita Sasmal stood by her. “My sister was and is my biggest support. She understands me and that is why she used to provide me her make-up kit whenever I went to walk the ramp. When my parents did not support me in my endeavour, I left home and came to Bhubaneswar.” Debolina remembers those difficult days:“When I left home, I did not have a single penny with me. I can still recall the first night I spent in the state capital in the winter.
“I had to sleep in the verandah of a shop because I did not have any friends or relatives there. I had to sleep on an empty stomach too. Before I started modelling, I worked in a shopping mall for three months. But the most embarrassing moment for me was when I was insulted by an employer of a hotel. I had gone for an interview in a five-star hotel. The interviewer did not even feel bad to ask me my gender. ‘Are you a boy or girl? You simply do not fit the job,’ he said and asked me to leave the venue. I can never forget that day.”
Things became better after she came in contact with noted transgender social activist Meera Parida. “I owe my success to Meera Maa. Whatever I am today is because of her. I got a job in an NGO thanks to her. I used to work for differently-abled children and girls’ empowerment. It was there that I developed a strong urge to do something for society and I got involved in many social activities. Whenever I get time now I visit orphanages, slum children and differently abled children and give them fruits and study materials. I love spending time with such kids. I also work for transgenders’ rights.”
Debolina, who is also the first transgender student to pursue Law in Human Rights, says her family is now proud of her. “When I shot to fame for being the first transgender model of the state, one regional channel invited me to a show hosted by veteran actor Mihir Das. It was there that I explained the difficulties I went through to make a mark in the fashion industry. Besides, I revealed that my father had never supported me. That had a huge impact on my father. He repented the ill-treatment he meted out to me. Then, all my family accepted me and they are proud of me now.”
Debolina who has won titles like Miss Sonepur 2016, Miss Trans Model Chennai 2014, Miss Popular 2015 and Miss Photogenic Face 2013 has walked the ramp for Sampurna, Orissa Photo Trade Expo, Kritarth and Rashika.
Her boyfriend Aditya Mulia stood by her in her difficult days. “Aditya, an architect, supported me when I needed it badly. He was always by my side in my fight for my identity. We have been in a relationship for the last six years and are committed to each other. But I will be happier when his parents accept me whole-heartedly and solemnise our marriage.”
Debolina would be happy to see the people changing their attitude towards transgenders. “Transgenders are leaving no stone unturned to join the mainstream and do good for society. People often treat us as sex workers. They should understand that transgenders are begging in trains and wearing short clothes and standing on the roadside only to feed themselves. They are doing such things out of compulsion and helplessness. Whenever a transgender wants to do something different, society never supports her. For instance, one fellow transgender opened a tailoring shop recently but she got no customers. So she went back to begging. It’s my humble request that the government should do something for our well-being.”