Anaya Bangar, daughter of former cricketer, coach, and commentator Sanjay Bangar , has opened up about a life journey she kept private for so long. In an interview, Anaya shared her experiences with gender identity, transition, family, social attitudes, and being a trans woman.
According to Anaya, since childhood, she had many questions about her identity. She explained that she would ask herself why she had to live a certain way and behave according to societal expectations. As a child, she would wear her mother’s clothes and look at herself in the mirror. At the time, she didn’t understand why she was doing this, but later realized that these were feelings related to her gender identity.
I felt pressure to ‘man up’
Anaya explained that society often expects boys to suppress their emotions and appear strong. She believes that, especially in societies like India, men are pressured to shoulder family responsibilities and fulfill the prescribed role of a “man.” She added that men should also have the right to understand their emotions and express them in a healthy way. For her, this journey wasn’t just about physical transformation, but also about understanding her identity and self-worth.
Problems faced in school and society
Anaya also spoke about the trolling and discrimination she faced in her early days. She said she was called names and mocked for her mannerisms. Anaya said that shame and societal pressure about her identity led her to try to hide herself for a long time. Staying involved in cricket and related activities was also a way for her to avoid questions about herself at that time.
People’s views changed after the transition
According to Anaya, one of the most difficult things during transition was the changing perceptions of others. She explained that when someone begins to express themselves through clothing, makeup, or other means consistent with their gender identity, society’s reaction can be quite different. Sharing her experience, she said that as a trans woman, she often faced uncomfortable and personal innuendo. She also faced trolling and various comments on social media.
Cricket and the locker room experience were not easy either.
Anaya also spoke about the atmosphere in the sports world. She said that in a field like cricket, which she considers a very “hyper-masculine” environment, the banter between men and locker room culture can sometimes be challenging. According to her, there is a kind of “boys’ banter” culture among men, in which it is difficult for someone who appears different to speak out. She added that if someone opposes this environment, they fear being ostracized from the group.
Surgery and the beginning of a new life
Anaya also spoke about the medical process associated with her transition and her life afterward. She explained that she experienced significant pain and discomfort in the initial months after surgery, though her condition improved over time. She also explained that she had undergone sperm freezing before beginning hormone therapy because she hopes to have children in the future. Regarding surgeries for trans people, Anaya said that these are not merely cosmetic procedures. According to her, for many, such surgeries are deeply connected to their identity and mental and emotional state. Therefore, appropriate coverage for these surgeries should be considered in health insurance.
Dating in India is also a big challenge
Anaya explained that her experience with dating in India after transitioning hasn’t been easy. She said her profile on dating apps has been deemed fake and reported or banned multiple times. She added that even if a man accepts a trans woman, she often faces backlash from family and society. She believes that this challenge is further compounded by her public identity.
Problems with old identification in documents
Anaya described her document change experience as extremely upsetting. She said that even after transitioning, some of her official documents still contained her old photo, old name, and old gender marker. She described experiencing an extremely uncomfortable situation when she appeared before a medical panel at a government hospital to change her identity. According to Anaya, she was asked to remove her clothes and expose her body during the medical examination, with several doctors present in the room.
Anaya said she later learned that the procedures she was subjected to were allegedly inconsistent with the rules and expressed her desire to pursue action in this matter.
‘You are not alone’
Recalling the journey between her former self and her current identity, Anaya said that transitioning allowed her to understand her emotions in a new way. She also offered a message for those struggling with their gender identity. According to Anaya, the path may be difficult, but there are people in the world who will understand and accept you. She says that accepting yourself can make life feel more free and open than before.
Answer given on washroom controversy also
During the interview, Anaya also expressed her views on questions raised about women’s washrooms. She said that trans women should be seen as women, and that repeatedly questioning a person’s body or gender is not right to create an environment against them. Speaking about equality, Anaya said that for her, feminism does not mean elevating one gender above another, but rather giving equal rights and respect to all. She appealed to people to learn about trans people, use correct pronouns, and create an environment around them where they feel safe, instead of fearing or harboring prejudices.