Mangaluru: Denied a ride, trans woman buys four auto-rickshaws and rents them out

Mangaluru: Denied a ride, trans woman buys four auto-rickshaws and rents them out

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 24, 2025: In society, transgender individuals are often viewed with condescension, and as a result, they face humiliation at every step. One such individual, who was insulted after auto-rickshaw drivers refused to let her board, has now turned the tables — by purchasing four auto-rickshaws and renting them out.

 

 

Yes, meet Ani, a proud and self-reliant transgender woman from Mangaluru. Originally from Raichur, Ani came to Mangaluru for her studies and eventually settled here. After completing her BA and writing two semesters of B.Ed, she realized how difficult it was for transgender individuals to find work in the education sector and had to discontinue her studies. Ani has faced many humiliations in her life.

An insult that sparked determination: 

Ani relied on rickshaws to return home in the evenings. However, she often struggled as drivers would refuse to stop for her. One evening, despite waiting until nightfall, no rickshaw driver agreed to let her board. She was forced to walk home. That night, she made a decision — to buy her own auto-rickshaws and rent them out, turning insult into inspiration.