First transgender advocate of Karnataka now sets eyes career in judicial services

MYSURU: Thirty-year-old Mysurean Shashi C became the first transgender advocate from the state after being added to the rolls by the Karnataka State Bar Council, Bengaluru, Friday.
Shashi, earlier known as Shashi Kumar, now aims to become a judge to set an example for the community which is still struggling to be heard in society. "I want to show our community members how education can empower us," Shashi said.
Shashi, who pursued primary and secondary education at government institutions in Jayanagar, Krishnamurthypuram and Lakshmipuram, completed LLB from the city's Vidyavardhaka Law College in 2021. Since then, Shashi has been practising under senior advocates V Parashiva, U Nagaraj, Baburaj and BS Bhagyamma, the latter being the joint secretary of Mysore Bar Association.
"I struggled a lot to get identified as an advocate from the transgender community. With reservation for the community in the judge selection process, now I am aiming to become a judge. I want the world to stop discriminating against the community," said Shashi.
"My community should pursue education and take up professions like that of advocates instead of begging," Shashi added.
"I also underwent a lot of discrimination in life, but never gave up on my dreams. All of us should have access to education and reach new heights in life to ensure that society stops discrimination and humiliation," said Shahi, who had also done an MA in public administration from the Karnataka State Open University.
"I am expecting the new state government led by chief minister Siddaramaiah to recognise the contribution of the community and present it with the Rajyotsava award," Shashi urged.
Advocate BS Bhagyamma said the bar council was extending all its support to Shashi to realise her dream of becoming a judge. "Shashi is always one among us," Shashi added.