”Debi Acharya, a transgender leader, has been a lifeline for transgender and GSM communities in Malda, one of West Bengal’s most outwardly migrating districts.

Debi migrated to Malda from Kolkata more than a decade ago, carrying a responsibility to mobilise one of the most scattered, stigmatised, and economically vulnerable transgender populations in the region. In the absence of a structured community network, support group, and organisational base for transgender persons, Debi started Malda Proichoy, a community-based organisation. Malda Porichoy became a safe space for transgender and queer persons seeking shelter from family violence, needing support in health emergencies, a leadership platform for young transfeminine and queer youth, and a consistent partner for service delivery and rights-based interventions. 

In the early years of her work, she faced hostility and even violent attacks from local Hijra leaders who perceived her community organising efforts as a threat to established hierarchies. Economic hardships, as she could not earn much, and in moments of deep financial stress, she had no choice but to engage in sex work. Today, Debi is no longer fighting alone. As the District Innovation Partner (DIP) for Malda at Karna Subarna, she finally receives the recognition, respect, and support her years of unpaid labour deserve. She organises community meetings and consultations, mobilises participants for livelihood studies, coordinates with CBO leaders and health departments, identifies emerging leaders within the district, and contributes to the livelihood model design process with insights grounded in lived experience.”