How Transperson Sonalee Chaukekar Forged Her Path And Became Executive ?

From begging in trains to entering a mainstream corporate field, Sonalee Chaukekar’s inspiring journey has been a remarkable one. Born and raised as a transgender woman, she faced numerous challenges in her pursuit of education and a fulfilling career. 

In conversation with SheThePeople, she spoke about her life of discrimination and determination. Despite the societal stigmas attached to her community, Chaukekar continued to persevere and did everything to change the fate that people already assumed for her. 

Sonalee Chaukekar On her Journey

Chaukekar started with her childhood, and what growing-up look liked. She said, "Who understands gender as a child? All I knew was that I have a father, mother, and siblings and they are my family. All I understood was I like to dress up as a girl, my attractions were different, and my thoughts were opposite of what I was by birth. But adults knew the gender, things did not go well down with my parents. I use to wonder why I was always asked to behave in a certain way, why I was scolded, while everyone else is living a good life, and why I am enduring the pain. That is when at the age of 11, I realised I am different from the gender I was born with." 

Chaukekar left home at the age of 11. Before that too, people around her made it difficult to survive. She added, "I was also troubled at school, people around me said why to pursue education, in the end, you will be begging, dancing, or doing sex work. I felt isolated while growing -up." Chaukekar sat in rickshaws for the entire day, wandered in a train from Virar to Church Gate, and vice versa. 

Chaukekar completed her school in 2005 by that time she already left. Chaukekar narrated what went on after she left home and how she completed her education. She said, "While wandering in trains, I met my guru and she took me home. For survival, I begged in trains but decided to continue studying and not spend the entire day like this. I saved money from whatever I earned, gave little to my mother, and the rest used to support my education." 

For Chaukekar pursuing education was not easy like other hetero children.  In the day she begged, danced in the night, came home at 4 in the morning, and went to give exams at 10 am, that was the initial life for her. She sacrificed sleep just to feel relieved after giving exams. That is how I Chaukekar got graduated. She added, "I was always determined to study and take education so that I don’t end up begging or become an image that people have in their minds of a trans person. Besides, if my siblings and other cousins are studying then why I am not supposed to pursue an education? I suffered sexual, physical, and mental abuse but that did not derail me, I was determined to complete my education." She completed her schooling at a government school and graduated from a correspondence college in 2010. 

Chaukekar while living in the transgender community, not only took a degree but also worked as a social activist. She said, "Along with my gurus started the organisation Kinnar Maa, through the organisation, we raised our issues and fought for our rights. Worked for community people, for the transgender community it was hard back then as they had no opportunities, no place to stay, and no peace. All you could see was discrimination and humiliation." Chaukekar played a vital role in coordinating sanitation efforts in 11 districts in Maharashtra. She worked to prevent drug abuse in the transgender community and raised awareness among the police force and various corporations. 

Mindspace Business Parks REIT gave Sonalee an opportunity to join their company. She earned a job as a receptionist at the front desk. A receptionist job requires excellent communication skills in various languages, and Chaukekar put her efforts into learning all the skills. Chaukekar said, "Mindspace did a sensitisation programme, I came across their WhatsApp status of K Raheja Corp hiring a transperson and I applied and that's how I landed my first corporate job." 

Chaukekar thought this could be a happy end to all her struggles, but no it was not. She faced backlash from the community as they were not happy with her doing a mainstream job. Chaukekar recalled, "I was beaten twice, the recent attack was 6 months back. I got severely injured and was bleeding heavily. I missed work for several days. The act was planned by my own community people and it disheartened me but that couldn't stop me. For now, I shifted to my parents' home." 

Chaukekar for now is economically stable, she also brought herself a house, supported her two sisters' education, and now taking care of her parents as well. Chaukekar said, "My goal was to get educated, that I achieved. I have a good job and I want to sustain it that is my dream." Chaukekar's dream seems realistic but she has larger dreams for many people like her. She dreams that no transperson should grow up the way she did, the pain she endured. She dreams that everyone gets to stay with their parents, have a happy childhood, and not struggle to pursue education. Chaukekar's inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and hard work in overcoming adversity.

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