An Ally, A Mother: Mukunda Mala Says Her Child is Her Pride

Hyderabad: From supporting her transgender daughter, to being a public advocate for the queer community, leading pride marches and challenging the societal norms, Mukunda Mala says she has come a long way. An inspiring figure among Hyderabad’s LGBTQIA+ allies, she was one of the first parents who openly marched on the streets during the Hyderabad Queer Swabhimana Yatra under the theme "My Child, My Pride".

Mala’s journey began with a simple prayer to god to protect all queer children in return for her own child’s safety. This promise turned a mother to one of India’s most prominent voices for the community, leading pride marches and striving to make government policies more inclusive. Her daughter, a trans woman and a MBBS graduate, challenged Mala to move beyond private acceptance. She told her that she only feels proud of her mother when she stands beside the community in front of the society.

Seeing her daughter courageously coming out and telling everyone about her identity moved Mala to take action. At 53 she realised, “Such a small soul coming and telling about this vulnerable community. Why can’t I do it?” She began vocally supporting her daughter, including at her workplace, sometimes even comparing the struggles of the Indian independence era to make her point. “They (the freedom fighters) came forward, they fought for our rights. Today we are all enjoying”, she added, “I want to start that fight for future generation”.

In a society where status and reputation are considered more important than happiness, Mala’s stance is radical. “In India, most of us will live for society's sake,” she explains, “I don't want to live for society. I want to live for my own child's sake”.

Mala has only one question to other parents who fear the social stigma. “If society is not there, we can survive. If child is not there, I can't survive. The same way, for child, if society is not there, child will survive. But if we are not there for them, how do they survive?”

It is the same question that once made Mala stand up for her child, earning her the name “Mala Mummy.”

Beyond family support, Mala has been actively trying to bring institutional reforms through the Queer Bandhu Parents Association. Her work has focused on areas such as legal identity, marriage equality and economic empowerment.

For three years, Mala says her child struggled to get a passport, while she and a collective of activists pushed the Ministry of external Affairs to get the work done. Today, the Transgender ID Card is included in the Aadhar and Passport portals. Her association has conducted over 10 camps to help LGBTQIA+ individuals secure legal documents so that they can enjoy their rights.

Mala is currently working with the government of Telangana for the appointment of transgender individuals into governmental roles. Having essential legal identification like Aadhar Cards, Passports and Transgender ID Cards has already led to significant milestones in employment, such as Hyderabad metro and traffic assistance.

Mala advocates for marriage equality and the legal protection that marriage provides. She argues, “Beyond sex, there are many, many things. When my child lives on after me, who will be there with her as family? If she goes for any surgery, who will be her kin to sign the consent? In a society where marriage is embedded in rules regarding insurance and loans, how will she secure a house loan for herself and her partner?”

She also highlights that small things like watching movies are often a luxury for the queer community because of a lack of social acceptance in public spaces. She points out that any child would love to go out with their family and friends, but queer individuals are often not accepted, which can affect their mental strength and mental health. She advocates for greater awareness so that these daily barriers vanish and allow everyone the freedom to “enjoy each and every moment” and live without discrimination.

Mala believes the main focus should be awareness among the people so that the discrimination faced by queer individuals will gradually reduce. “Youngsters these days are more aware and open-minded. This will help queer kids feel safer in educational institutions, like any other children,” she adds.

Talking about her goals for the coming year, Mala is working on solving the housing crisis for trans workers. After 15 years of advocacy, activist Mukunda Mala’s mission remains clear, ensuring that no child has to ever choose between their identity and their right to a supportive home.

(This Article Is Written By Archana Prasad, Student At EFLU, Interning At Deccan Chronicle)