Biography:
K. Prithika Yashini, the first transgender woman to be a police officer in India, has made waves in breaking barriers and challenging societal norms. Born and raised in Salem, Tamil Nadu, she grew up as the son of a driver-tailor couple. Even at an early age, Yashini felt different and did not identify as a boy. Her parents, seeking to set things right, took her to temples, doctors, and astrologers. However, it was clear that Yashini’s journey was unique and required a different path.
After completing her undergraduation in computer applications, Yashini made the brave decision to run away to Chennai, where she found acceptance and support in the transgender community. It was in Chennai that she began her career working as a warden in a women’s hostel. Little did she know then that she would go on to make history as a pioneer for transgender rights in the police force.
Yashini’s groundbreaking journey began when she applied for recruitment as a Tamil Nadu sub-inspector of police to the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB). Unfortunately, her application was rejected because, as a transgender woman, she did not fit into the specified categories of male or female. Unwilling to accept this discrimination, Yashini took her case to court, challenging the decision of the TNUSRB.
After a long and arduous legal battle, the High Court of Madras ordered the TNUSRB to conduct a written test for Yashini. Thanks to her persistence and legal recourse, she was able to lower the minimum cut-off marks for the written test, making it more inclusive for transgender individuals. Yashini successfully cleared all physical endurance tests, except for missing the 100-meter dash by one second. However, she was deemed successful overall in the physical endurance test.
On November 6, 2015, the Madras High Court delivered a historic judgement, ordering the TNUSRB to appoint Yashini as a sub-inspector of police. The court further directed the inclusion of a third category for transgender individuals, distinguishing them from the traditional categories of male and female. This judgement marked a significant milestone in recognizing and affirming the rights of transgender individuals in India.
In April 2017, Yashini received her appointment order from Chennai City Police Commissioner Smith Saran, marking a new beginning not only for her but for the entire transgender community. Taking charge as a sub-inspector in Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu, she was posted in the law and order wing. Yashini’s appointment as a police officer shattered societal norms and provided a beacon of hope and inspiration for transgender individuals across India.
Yashini’s ultimate aspiration is to become an officer of the Indian Police Service, a goal she continues to strive towards. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity have made her a true trailblazer and role model for the transgender community.
Awards:
– Behindwoods 2019 Icon of Inspiration for the 1st third-gender police officer.