Class XII student on mission to empower trans-persons

Moved by their plight, Class XII student of Vivek High School here has been working for the amelioration of the transgender community in the Tricity.

The socio-economic stigma the community faces in everyday life was too much to bear for 18-year-old Ishnoor Singh, who launched SoulSpectrum — a student-led initiative — in April 2023. Ishnoor is so enthused by the work he’s done since then that he has launched the Delhi chapter of SoulSpectrum, in collaboration with like-minded youngsters.

“It all began with the mindset of doing something for the community. I did a lot of research before I decided to work for the community,” Ishnoor shared. “In the beginning, it was all about creating awareness about the problems they face, but as I picked up lessons along the way, the focus of SoulSpectrum moved to something more substantive — now the focus is on making them financially independent.”

Beaming with pride with the success he has achieved in just over a year, Ishnoor said: “We helped transgender individuals from Chandigarh set up a food truck business in Zirakpur — probably the first-ever such business run by transgenders in the region. We helped this group, led by Dhananjay Chauhan, with various aspects of the business. We did a location survey, and helped with business and strategic planning. Finally, we helped identify the location for the business, taking into account factors like potential patrons in the area.”

Ishnoor and his band helped Chauhan obtain official permissions required to set up the business, while volunteers chipped in donations for the vehicle rent. This business now serves as a source income for almost 15 transgenders.

SoulSpectrum has helped another trans individual, Mona, revive tea stall business. When Mona ran out of money after falling ill, SoulSpectrum stepped up and helped with access to trade credit. This enabled Mona to purchase goods on credit.

SoulSpectrum comprises four core team members and about 10-12 volunteers, all students of the city's Vivek High School and Strawberry Fields High School. "It is not a one-man show. When I am busy with my studies, I have other volunteers and members who chip in. We work tirelessly to ensure the success of our mission," Ishnoor concludes.

Reviving their business

• Actor Ayushmann Khurrana had donated the food van to Dhananjay Chauhan in 2021. However, problems arose when the authorities did not grant the required permissions to Dhananjay to set a food business. For two years, Dhananjay was unable to set up his business. Finally, lady luck smiled on Dhananjay in 2023.
• SoulSpectrum left no stone unturned and helped Dhananjay set up business and break stereotypes within 3 months.