AKKAI PADMASHALI

ACTIVIST, AUTHOR

Akkai is a prominent trans activist from India, the founder of trans advocacy group Ondede, and a woman of many firsts. She is the first trans woman to register her marriage, receive Karnataka’s second highest civilian honour, and hold a driving license in her chosen name. Akkai has also written an autobiography sharing the story of her life and community, which continues to bring light to trans issues.