Zara Sheikha, a transgender who made news after being hired by UST Global at Technopark six months ago, recently took the big step of becoming a ‘she’, her identified gender, by undergoing sex reassignment surgery (SRS).
Following the procedure, Zara may be the rare transwoman in a multinational corporation.
Zara, who underwent the procedure in a Coimbatore hospital, is recuperating well after the over five-hour surgery. Significantly, she is not experiencing any urinary problems.
Employer’s support
Zara’s surgery comes the same month that a Naval officer was fired for getting gender affirming surgery. In stark contrast, Zara’s employers UST Global have been very supportive of her. On leave now, she plans to work from home once she is back on her feet. “My manager said it was a good decision. I have been allowed the work-from-home option.”
The decision to have SRS was made in a short time as Zara did not want to keep it on her bucket list.
“I felt this was the right time — I had revealed my identity and had a good job — and went ahead.”
Unlike the usual procedure where hormone therapy is followed by surgery, Zara was recommended to have surgery first and then therapy.
Zara said adapting to her new life will not happen all of a sudden as she was in a transition phase anatomically, environmentally, and spiritually.
“It will take time to adjust to the changes. It will not be easy either.”
Self-confidence was a huge factor in deciding to go ahead with the surgery, she said.
“People, even from within the transgender community, say one will not be able to have a family or lead a normal life, or end up battling depression after SRS. This is why many transgenders are reluctant to have surgery. I believe I have to decide how my life should be, what my passions are, and go for it. This is not castration. SRS is done scientifically, with proper treatment and medication.”
Of her hopes, Zara says it is a new life and she has real expectations from it.
“Small things such as a life partner, a family...Also, more people need to know about SRS. I believe I can sensitise them to it.”
