Udupi
Kaveri Mary D’Souza, Karnataka’s first transgender auto-rickshaw driver, urges for a shift in perspectives towards transgenders. Born as Stany D’Souza in Pethri, Kaveri grew up in poverty and desired to transition into a woman upon recognizing changes in her body during her 10th grade. With only Rs 20 in hand, she left home and worked in Surathkal hotels for three months before relocating to Mysuru, where she lived at a bus stop and relied on temple food for sustenance. After encountering members of her community at a bus stand, she connected with the NGO group Geleya.
Working at an NGO office, Kaveri was inspired by transgenders from Bengaluru who visited. She decided to undergo a complete transformation and moved to Bengaluru. However, she initially engaged in sex work and begging due to societal rejection and lack of opportunities. Over time, she realized the need for change and faced opposition from her own community when she voiced her desire for a different path. Despite challenges, Kaveri remains determined to advocate for herself and her community.
