Dr. Aqsa Shaikh (She/Her) is an out and proud transgender woman. She is one of India’s First Transgender Doctors. She is an Associate Professor of Community Medicine at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jamia Hamdard, Delhi. Aqsa is an academician and researcher. She is part of the iHEAR initiative at Sangath India which undertakes research and project implementation for inclusion of the Transgender and Disability community in the healthcare sector.
Aqsa is a vocal advocate for rights-based Gender Justice for Transgender persons. She speaks, writes, and advocates for Trans Rights in India and Globally. Aqsa writes for Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and Youth ki Awaz amongst other platforms. She has received the Youth ki Awaz Award for her writings on Mental Health. Aqsa is a film critic and she also studies the portrayal of transgender characters in Indian cinema.
