At a moment in time when women's rights are under increasing threat globally, comes a new documentary that places an intimate, collaborative lens among four Hijra women, whose ancient community is caught in the crossfire of conservative Islam, rising Indian nationalism and the legacy of British colonial rule. Co-Directors Rahemur Rahman and Lily Vetch follow Momo (29), a Hijra guru (community leader) and her chela (disciple) Jannat (26), her chela Noorjahan (16) and Neshi (29) from October 2019 to the present day, with filming continuing until the autumn of 2023.

 

From the tough pandemic years, when the women must disperse across India and Bangladesh to seek sex work, to the present day, when they plan to return to Dhaka, their individual journeys are emerging as inspiring feats of resilience, friendship and vibrant creativity, despite the ever-present threat of violence, prejudice and sexual harassment they must endure.

 

By supporting BODY OF MY OWN through a tax deductible donation you are actively fighting the disturbing rise of violence and hate speech against LQBTQi+ minorities globally. A report by ILGA, the European International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association released on Monday 20th February 2023 shows that violence against LGBTQ+ people reached its highest point in the past decade in Europe and Central Asia in 2022. Sadly, hate speech is also on the rise with much of it related to trans people.