Mohammad Salim, now known as Salma Begum, became the first transgender lawyer of Odisha. Salma Begum will get registered at the Odisha Bar Council and is awaiting a chance to practice at Barbil court.
Salim was a woman trapped in a man’s body. She was born in Bhuyanroida as Mohammad Salim. In the year 2015, Salim decided to come out in the open after meeting a transgender group.
“After the Transgender Protection Act 2019 came into effect, I got my Aadhaar card. That gave me a confidence to do something and I decided to study law with a hope that one day I will practice at Barbil Court.”
Salma had applied for the post of sub-inspector of police. She then decided to pursue law as her result is still awaited and the process got delayed. She appealed to the parents of transgenders to accept their children as they are and love them like they love their other children.
“Despite the social stigma, we have to live without caring for the vile comments and neglect tat we get from society. Hence, it is more important for parents to support their children to take on the world.”
Salma completed her graduation and got a degree from Pravas Manjari College, Keonjhar in 2021.