Harshini Annamma Mekala

Actress and Trans Model, Miss Transqueen India 2018. miss beautiful smile 2018. Trans activist also working as a HR in MNC. master's in economics.

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

'DAUGHTER' of annamma- a Film on My Journey as a Transwoman-Harshini

https://t.co/dVd8BZDfPH

[Humans of Hyderabad @HumansofHyd]

"I’m Harshini Mekala, a proud trans woman born in a small village called Balusupadu in Andhra Pradesh.

I was assigned male at birth, but from a very young age, I knew I was a girl. But living as a trans woman in a rural community wasn’t easy. People didn’t understand me, and many were cruel. At school, I was mocked and bullied—treated like I didn’t belong. But through it all, my mother stood beside me like a shield.

She never had the chance to go to school herself, yet she taught me everything that mattered—dignity, love, and self-respect. While others pointed fingers, she held my hand. She worked in the fields from sunrise to sunset but never let me skip a day of school. “Your education is your strength,” she’d say. “No one can take that away from you.”

Because of her, I completed my Master’s in Economics. I became a lecturer, then moved into HR at a multinational company. When she passed away, I was shattered. The grief pushed me into depression. I didn’t know how to move forward without her voice.

But it was her voice that brought me back.

I remembered her dream for me—to live openly, fearlessly, and with pride. I stepped into pageants not just for the crown, but to stand for every trans woman who was told she wasn’t enough. In 2018, I was crowned “Ms. Beautiful Smile” at Miss Transqueen India. In 2024, I became the runner-up at Miss Universe Trans.

Today, I work with the Telangana Police’s Transgender Protection Cell and collaborate with NGOs that support LGBTQIA+ rights. I’m also a television presenter on a few media platforms. Every step I take carries her strength. Every milestone is hers too.

There’s not a day I don’t miss her. I often find myself whispering, “Amma, are you watching? I kept my promise.”

This Mother’s Day, I just want to say: A mother’s love isn’t measured by her education or status. It’s in how she stands by you, believes in you, and teaches you to believe in yourself. Mine did that—every single day of her life."
:
#HappyMothersDay2025 #MothersDay #Transwoman #LGBTQIA #motherslove #hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

Shooting Day 😍🫶 #shoot

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

Thanks to @sakshinews for this beautiful lines https://t.co/y2P1sWKCbg

[Humans of Hyderabad @HumansofHyd]

"From a young age, I identified as a girl, but expressing that openly came with its share of struggles. School was especially hard—there were times I avoided going because of the teasing and judgment. Through it all, my mother was my biggest support. She stood by me, encouraging me to focus on my education and reminding me to live with pride, no matter what others said. Her belief in me gave me the courage to keep moving forward, being a Trans woman.

Winning the Miss Universe Trans Asia title and standing as Miss Universe Trans 2024 Runner up is a moment I’ll always remember for my lifetime. It’s not just an achievement for me—it reflects the journey I’ve been through and the challenges I’ve overcome. Life hasn’t been easy growing up as a trans woman, but every obstacle has shaped me into the person I am today.

After completing my master’s degree in economics, I explored different career paths. I started as a lecturer and later worked as an HR professional at an MNC. These experiences helped me grow personally and professionally, but deep down, my dream was always to pursue acting and modeling.

When I decided to transition, it was a life-changing step that brought me closer to my true self. But even after that, acceptance wasn’t easy to come by. I faced countless rejections—some companies turned me away just because my school certificates listed me as male. It was disheartening, but I refused to let it stop me.

In 2018, my life took a turn when I participated in the Miss Transqueen India pageant. That platform gave me opportunities to model, act, and advocate for the transgender community. Over the years, I’ve taken on many roles—coordinating with the Transgender Protection Cell for Telangana Police, working with NGOs, and supporting initiatives like Pride Place. Today, I’m an anchor, newsreader, model, and actor, and I’m proud of the journey that brought me here.

And talking about Christmas, it has always been special to me. It reminds me of the times my mother would take me to church, and we’d pray together. Though I miss her every moment, I celebrate with my sisters and loved ones, keeping her spirit alive in every tradition."

- Harshini Mekala, Artist

[Humans of Hyderabad @HumansofHyd]

(Part 1/2) “Since childhood, I have always identified as a girl. Growing up in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, I was raised in a humble family that prioritized education as the path to success and respect in society. By the time I was 15, I realized I was a woman trapped in a man's body. This realization brought many struggles, especially in a society quick to judge.

Discrimination began early. The taunts in school were hard to bear, often making me skip classes and feel utterly alone. My mother was my strongest support during those tough times. While my father, a farmer, initially opposed my dreams of education, my mother always encouraged me to pursue my studies and reminded me to live with dignity. Her belief in me kept me going when it felt like the world was against me.

After completing my master's degree in economics, I explored various professional paths, including a stint as a lecturer and later as an HR professional in an MNC.

These experiences helped me build my skills while I continued to dream of acting. Eventually, I moved to Mumbai, initially to work for an NGO, but my heart was always set on performing and modeling.

A significant turning point in my life was undergoing sex reassignment surgery, which allowed me to finally express my true self. This change was incredibly liberating, yet breaking into the acting world remained a challenge. Despite my qualifications, I faced rejection after rejection, often due to my identity. Companies would deny me jobs after seeing my school certificates, which listed me as male. It was a constant battle for acceptance.

In 2018, I participated in the Miss Transqueen India pageant, which opened many doors in the entertainment industry and helped me gain visibility as a model.

Now, I am grateful to be contesting in Miss Universe Trans 2024—a journey that feels both surreal and empowering. I can’t wait to represent my community on such a grand stage. I feel proud being a trans woman from India representing the Miss Universe Trans platform. It’s not just about the title for me; it’s a chance to showcase the diversity and strength of our community on a global stage."

- Harshini Mekala, Actor, Model

#Transgender #Model #Acting #Jourmey #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad

[Humans of Hyderabad @HumansofHyd]

(Part 2/2) "In my journey, I have also worked in the Transgender Protection Cell, Women Safety Wing, Telangana Police as a coordinator protecting the rights of transgender persons. I also worked as a Constitution Fellow with Yashi NGO to mass communicate about our Constitution through art.

Currently, I work as an anchor, newsreader, model, and actor. Each of these roles allows me to express myself and connect with people in different ways. Being in the public eye gives me the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and inspire others, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.

I also work with initiatives like Pride Place, which supports the LGBTQIA+ community, helping people like me find the resources and acceptance we deserve. I believe representation in modeling and acting is crucial for the transgender community, and I want to advocate for more opportunities in these fields.

To anyone aspiring to achieve their dreams, my message is simple: never give up, no matter the obstacles you face. The journey may be filled with challenges and setbacks, but it’s essential to believe in yourself, pursue your passions, and not let anyone define your worth. Your dreams are valid, and with determination and hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

I often think about my mother and wish she could see how far I’ve come. Losing my parents has been challenging, but their love continues to inspire me. I’ve faced rejection and tough times, but I’m still here—still fighting, still dreaming big, and standing up for myself.

My ultimate goal is to be a lead actor in the movies, a dream I truly believe will come true. I want to use my platform to advocate for the transgender community, showing that we can live with dignity and achieve our dreams, just like everyone else.”

- Harshini Mekala, Actor & Model

#TransRightsAreHumanRights #Transwoman #modeling #passion #againsttheodds #Hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

https://t.co/XY8Gd4rIEk

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

https://t.co/inEC1COpJ2

Hi I am representing India in miss universe trans 2024 please vote and support me 🙏

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

Vote India https://t.co/V82q4fg3zl

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

#NewProfilePic

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

An inspirational journey from male to female https://t.co/JbjmIBcOU8

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

Siblings might fight, but they're always there for each other. Love your my sisters and brothers Happy Raksha Bandhan #FestivalOfLove #FestivalOfBonding #festivalvibes

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

Oh hey there. Just checking on you. i hope you're good and healthy #kind

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

There can never be total development of women, there can never be full equality of women with men, unless and until there is peace between nations. - They Said.

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

We are born as who we are. The gender thing is something that is imposed on you.

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

Being transgender is not just a medical transition. discovering who you are, living your life authentically, loving yourself & spreading that love towards other people & accepting one another. Trans people are extraordinary, strong, intelligent, persistent & resilient.

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

All Motivation Mondays need are a little more coffee and a lot more mascara.” #justsaying

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

Let Lord Lakshmi bless you with all eight forces on this Varalakshmi Vratam day. Sri(Wealth), Bhu(Earth), Sarasvati(learning), Priti(love), Kirti(Fame), Santi(Peace), Tushti(Pleasure) & Pushti(Strength). wish you Happy Varalakshmi Vratam & I pray to God for your healthy life.

[Harshini Annamma Mekala @MekalaHarshini]

There isn’t a trans moment. It’s just a presence where there was an absence. We deserve so much more. #freedom #TransWomenAreWomen #Pride2023 #Equality #equalityishumanity