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Mumbai-native Zoya Lobo is a transgender photojournalist who is pathbreaking in every sense of it. From struggling to finding acceptance to her success at work, Lobo continues to rise with grace and resilience. Her photographs, showcasing family portraits capturing the diversity of the hijra community and their chosen families, were a part of the recent exhibition at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Held at Mumbai’s iconic Kalanjee House in collaboration with Smirnoff Lemon Pop, the exhibition aimed at capturing the intimate lives of transgender individuals who often find solace in non-biological families through the lens of an LGBTQIA+ person. In an exclusive chat, the trailblazer talks about her journey, the criticality of chosen families, a queer gaze, and more.
How has Mumbai shaped and fostered your queer identity?
Lobo: Mumbai’s dynamic atmosphere, bustling with people from various backgrounds, has created a space where I could explore and embrace my true self. One of the key elements that has contributed to my queer identity in Mumbai is the sense of community. With numerous support groups, events, and safe spaces, connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar experiences has been crucial in building a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Mumbai`s inclusive and progressive attitude has also played a pivotal role. The annual Pride events, vibrant queer-friendly neighborhoods, and supportive allies have all contributed to creating an atmosphere of acceptance where individuals feel more empowered to express their authentic selves. Furthermore, the city`s rich cultural tapestry has allowed me to explore different facets of my identity. I have found spaces that celebrate diversity and encourage the expression of individuality.
As India`s pioneering transgender photojournalist, what kind of stereotype or discriminatory behaviour have you faced at work? Tell us about the changes you’ve seen in the industry regarding inclusiveness. Are transpersons paid the same?
Lobo: My journey in the field has been both rewarding and challenging. Being a trailblazer in any industry often comes with its set of stereotypes and discriminatory behaviours, and the field of photojournalism has been no exception.
One of the most prevalent stereotypes I`ve encountered is the misconception that transgender individuals lack the skills or credibility to excel in professional roles. There were instances where colleagues and even some editors doubted my abilities, questioning whether my gender identity would affect the quality of my work. Overcoming these stereotypes required not only showcasing my skills through my photographs but also challenging preconceived notions about transgender individuals in the workplace.
Discriminatory behaviour has manifested in subtle and overt forms. In some instances, I faced microaggressions and exclusionary practices, such as being overlooked for assignments or not being invited to certain events. However, I`ve also encountered outright discrimination, including derogatory comments and prejudice from colleagues. This underscores the importance of advocating for inclusivity and diversity within the industry.
Despite these challenges, I have witnessed positive changes in the industry`s approach to inclusiveness over the years. There`s a growing awareness of the need for diversity in storytelling, and media organisations are making conscious efforts to amplify marginalised voices, including those of transgender individuals. Initiatives like mentorship programs and workshops focused on inclusivity have emerged, fostering a more welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their gender identity.
However, the journey toward true inclusiveness is ongoing. While there has been progress, it`s crucial to continue dismantling systemic barriers and challenging ingrained biases. A significant aspect of this progress involves addressing the issue of pay equality. Transgender individuals, like everyone else, deserve equal pay for equal work. Unfortunately, there is still work to be done to ensure that compensation is fair and unbiased across all demographics within the photojournalism industry.
How was your experience at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival?
Lobo: Working with Smirnoff Lemon Pop on the collaboration for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has been an immensely rewarding experience. The opportunity to contribute to a powerful exhibition showcasing the diversity of the transgender community, alongside talented ally photographers, has been both impactful and empowering. The transformation of Mumbai`s Kalanjee House into the Smirnoff House creates a dynamic space for meaningful dialogue and artistic expression, aligning seamlessly with Smirnoff`s commitment to positive change.
The curated experiences at the festival, such as discussions on transgender rights and culinary stories, further enrich the collaborative journey, making it a standout and memorable endeavour.
Your recent exhibition showcased family portraits capturing the diversity of the hijra community. What does family mean to you?
Lobo: The recent exhibition featuring family portraits of the hijra community was a profound exploration of what family truly means in the context of a marginalised and often misunderstood community. For me, family extends beyond the conventional definition of blood relations; it encapsulates a sense of shared identity, mutual support, and a collective journey towards understanding and acceptance. In the hijra community, chosen families play a pivotal role. These portraits aimed to capture the diverse bonds and connections formed within the hijra community, showcasing the beauty of chosen families that provide a sense of belonging and understanding often not found in mainstream society.
Family, in this context, is a source of strength and resilience. It embodies the shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs of individuals who have faced societal stigmatisation. Through the lens of these portraits, I aimed to convey the warmth, love, and interconnectedness that exist within the hijra community, challenging stereotypes and fostering a deeper understanding of their rich tapestry of relationships.
The exhibition also sought to redefine the traditional notion of family, encouraging viewers to broaden their perspectives and embrace the idea that family is not solely defined by blood ties. By showcasing the diverse relationships within the hijra community, I hoped to provoke thought and spark conversations about the fluidity and expansiveness of the concept of family. I hope that through these images, viewers can see beyond preconceived notions, recognising the beauty and strength that exist within the chosen families of the hijra community.
Many queer individuals struggle with self-doubt in their journey of self-acceptance. Who are the people you believe to be central to your journey and success?
Lobo: In my journey of self-acceptance as a queer individual, several people have played pivotal roles in helping me navigate the challenges of self-doubt and embrace my authentic identity. Supportive friends who provided unwavering encouragement and understanding were instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, mentors and LGBTQIA+ community leaders served as guiding lights, offering wisdom and reassurance during moments of uncertainty.
Furthermore, my chosen family – a group of close-knit individuals who have become pillars of support – has been crucial in helping me build resilience and confidence. Their acceptance and love have been transformative, affirming that self-discovery and acceptance are ongoing processes, and I am not alone on this journey. While the path may be challenging, the connections forged with these individuals have been central to my growth and success in overcoming self-doubt and embracing my true self.
Chosen families play a significant role in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals, however, the experiences vary on several factors. Please share how multifaceted and critical it is among the transgender community.
Lobo: For transgender individuals who may not conform to societal expectations of gender norms, chosen families become a sanctuary of understanding and acceptance. Those who are not ‘straight passing’ may face additional challenges and discrimination, making the support of chosen families even more critical. These families often provide a safe space where individuals can authentically express their gender identity without judgment, fostering a sense of belonging that may be absent in biological or less accepting family environments.
Moreover, for those marginalised within the queer community itself, such as non-binary or genderqueer individuals, the importance of chosen families cannot be overstated. These individuals may encounter misconceptions or even exclusion within certain segments of the LGBTQIA+ community, making chosen families essential for building a network of allies who truly understand and respect their unique experiences. In essence, chosen families within the transgender community offer a lifeline of support, understanding, and affirmation. They serve as a chosen network of individuals who share similar journeys, helping to navigate the complexities of self-discovery and acceptance. The critical role of chosen families lies not only in providing emotional support but also in empowering transgender individuals to face societal challenges and celebrate the richness of their diverse identities. Recognising and valuing the multifaceted nature of chosen families is essential for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment within the transgender community.
When a member of the LGBTQIA+ community with their diverse lived experiences is behind the lens, how different do you think the gaze and outcome are?
Lobo: When a member of the LGBTQIA+ community with their diverse lived experiences is behind the lens, the perspective and outcome of the photographs are profoundly different. Having lived through the varied challenges and triumphs of being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I understand intimately the depth and complexity of these experiences. This perspective allows me to go beyond stereotypes and cliches, portraying individuals in a positive light rather than perpetuating narratives of pity or sadness commonly associated with them.
My approach to photography is rooted in capturing the positivity, resilience, and happiness that characterise the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Through my lens, I aim to reflect the authenticity of their joy, love, and strength. By focusing on the positive aspects of their stories, I hope to counteract harmful stereotypes and contribute to a more nuanced and uplifting representation. The goal is not to gloss over the challenges but to provide a holistic view that acknowledges the full spectrum of emotions and experiences.
In the absence of art, and media that fails to represent LGBTQIA+ individuals, queer creators often end up creating space that they hoped existed. What story are you trying to convey through your photographs?
Lobo: In the absence of art and media that adequately represents LGBTQIA+ individuals, my photography aims to create the space that I wished existed during my journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Through my lens, I strive to convey a narrative that celebrates the diverse and authentic experiences within the queer community, challenging stereotypes and offering a more nuanced perspective. I seek to capture the beauty, resilience, and everyday moments of LGBTQIA+ lives, recognising the multifaceted nature of identities within the community. Each photograph is an attempt to break away from limiting narratives and showcase the richness of diverse relationships, expressions of gender, and the intersections of various identities.
My work is a form of visual activism, advocating for increased visibility, understanding, and acceptance. I want to contribute to a cultural shift where queer individuals can see themselves authentically represented, fostering a sense of pride and empowerment. By sharing these narratives, I hope to inspire conversations, promote empathy, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate exclusion and discrimination. Ultimately, the story I aim to convey through my photographs is one of resilience, authenticity, and the beauty found in embracing and celebrating the unique tapestry of LGBTQIA+ lives. I want viewers to connect with the humanity in these images and, in doing so, contribute to a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
What is the one thing that surprised you the most and your biggest learning from working on this project?
Lobo: One of the most surprising and impactful aspects of working on this project was the depth and resilience of the stories within the transgender community. Each photograph became a portal into intimate moments, authentic connections and the narratives of acceptance and love were profoundly moving. My biggest learning from this project was the transformative power of visual storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding. Through this lens, I witnessed the potential of art to challenge preconceptions, break down barriers, and create meaningful dialogue. It reinforced the importance of representation and the need for diverse voices in shaping narratives, particularly within marginalised communities. This experience has inspired me to continue using my creative work as a tool for advocacy and positive change.
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