Find out more about the honouree

Abhina Aher is one of India’s most inspiring transgender activists, a celebrated Kathak dancer, and a global voice for LGBTQI+ rights. Born and raised in Mumbai, Abhina transformed personal struggles with stigma and exclusion into a lifelong mission of empowerment and visibility for transgender and gender-diverse communities. With over two decades of experience in community development, public health, and advocacy, she has emerged as a leading force in India’s transgender movement.

As the Chief Executive Officer of TWEET Foundation, Abhina has empowered thousands of transgender persons through education, livelihood, healthcare, and leadership initiatives. She founded “Dancing Queens,” India’s first trans-led dance group, using art as a powerful medium for LGBTQI+ advocacy and social change.

Abhina’s leadership extends globally — she is a founding committee member of the International Trans Fund, former Chair of APTN (Asia Pacific Transgender Network), Vice President of IRGT (International Reference Group on Transgender Women and HIV), former Board Member of IPPF, and a member of the WHO Technical Team on Triple Disease Elimination. She also serves on the Technical Resource Group of NACO and is a National Transgender Council Member, Government of India.

Her journey of resilience, artistry, and leadership continues to inspire generations, proving that visibility and compassion can transform societies.

Abhina Aher is a prominent transgender activist, development professional, and community leader with over two decades of experience in advancing the rights and welfare of LGBTQI+ persons in India and the Asia Pacific region. As the Chief Executive of TWEET Foundation, she has been at the forefront of empowering transgender persons through education, skilling, employment, healthcare, and policy advocacy, impacting over 25,000+ trans lives across India.

Abhina’s journey from grassroots activism to global advocacy reflects her unwavering commitment to inclusion and social justice. She has represented India at numerous national and international forums, including the Global Fund, UNDP , WHO, and UNAIDS, amplifying transgender voices in spaces of policy and decision-making. Her leadership has shaped national dialogues on gender diversity, HIV response, and human rights.

A recipient of several awards recognizing her outstanding contribution to gender equality and community empowerment, Abhina continues to mentor young transgender leaders and promote trans-led development models. Her vision is to build a world where transgender and gender-diverse people live with dignity, opportunity, and pride — driving lasting social transformation through compassion and collective action.

What one achievement you’ve accomplished that you’re most proud of?
Why?

Abhina Aher’s most proud achievement lies in her multifaceted work advancing transgender rights and inclusion in India and beyond. She has championed the visibility of transmen, pioneered art for advocacy through initiatives like “Dancing Queens,” and integrated gender inclusion in SRHR programs. As a Global Fund Advocate (GFAN) and CDC TB Champion, she leverages her lived experiences to influence global health policies. She led the creation of India’s first white paper on transgender health, empowered youth through shelter, skilling, and job placement programs, and promoted policy inclusion in workplaces, transforming thousands of transgender lives with dignity and opportunity.  

What do you find most challenging about your work?
Why?

The most challenging aspect of my work is confronting the invisibilization of transgender people within the broader LGBTQI+ spectrum, especially transmen and transmasculine persons who are often overlooked in healthcare and policy programs. Persistent attacks on transgender lives set progress back by decades, while lack of trans-inclusive policy spaces, scarce resources, and systemic barriers in healthcare, particularly for gender-affirming care, intensify vulnerabilities. Stigma, gender-based violence, and the absence of safe shelters put young trans lives at risk. Creating dignified, inclusive, and resource-rich environments remains critical for transgender empowerment and survival.

What do you do to recharge your battery?

What recharges my energy most is my mother, whose love and guidance have been a lifelong inspiration. I feel invigorated when I am with my community members, hearing their stories and witnessing resilience, which fuels my commitment to the transgender movement. At this stage, I am motivated by creating sustainable impact in health, policy, and inclusion. Engaging with young generations, exploring innovative ideas, and learning from fellow LGBTQI+ leaders breaking barriers keeps me inspired. Unlearning outdated approaches, embracing digital platforms, and fostering Gen Z-led initiatives continuously challenges me to grow and empower the next generation.  

What is your vulnerability and how do you overcome it?

My vulnerability lies in my deep empathy for the struggles of transgender and marginalized communities, which sometimes makes me carry the weight of their pain personally. I can become intensely invested in every challenge, feeling responsible for outcomes beyond my control. I overcome this by setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking support from trusted peers and mentors. Reflecting on the resilience of my community and focusing on systemic change rather than individual setbacks helps me stay grounded, channel my energy effectively, and continue driving impact without losing perspective or burning out.  

You have been nominated for the Transgender HERO category.
What was your reaction and please, tell us why?

Receiving the nomination for the Transgender HERO category was both deeply humbling and profoundly moving. It is not just a recognition of my personal journey but, more importantly, a reflection of the collective struggles, resilience, and triumphs of the transgender community in India and beyond. For me, this honor symbolizes the decades of tireless work alongside my community members — from advocating for transgender rights and inclusion, to empowering thousands of young trans lives through education, skilling, livelihood, and healthcare access, and promoting visibility and leadership at both national and international platforms.

Throughout my journey, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by transgender persons: invisibilization within broader LGBTQI+ movements, systemic discrimination, lack of access to gender-affirming healthcare, and gender-based violence. Being recognized in this category reaffirms the importance of continuing to fight for safe spaces, policy inclusion, and dignity for all trans lives, particularly for young trans persons whose futures are often most at risk.

This recognition also inspires me to push boundaries further, leveraging art, advocacy, and innovation to advance trans inclusion. From founding “Dancing Queens,” India’s first trans-led dance group for advocacy, to contributing to national and international policy dialogues — including with WHO, NACO, Global Fund, and the Government of India — my work has always aimed at systemic and sustainable change.

Being nominated is not just a personal honor; it is a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and courage of transgender communities across India. It strengthens my resolve to continue building inclusive, empowering, and dignified pathways for transgender and gender-diverse persons, ensuring that visibility, rights, and opportunities are no longer privileges but realities for all.

With changes that we are currently experiencing politically affecting our movement, and sustainability, what is a warm/hopeful message that you would like to share with the communities in the Asia Pacific?

Despite the political changes and uncertainties that may challenge our movement, I want to remind you that our strength lies in our resilience, solidarity, and shared vision for equality. Across the Asia Pacific, transgender and gender-diverse communities continue to break barriers, claim visibility, and create spaces of dignity and inclusion.

Now is the time to lean on each other, celebrate our victories, and innovate for sustainable impact — whether in health, education, livelihoods, or policy. Remember, every voice, every story, and every act of courage contributes to a movement that cannot be silenced.

Let us continue to empower young generations, advocate for systemic change, and build communities where everyone can thrive with dignity. Together, we will transform challenges into opportunities, and ensure that the progress of our movement is lasting, inclusive, and unstoppable.

Anything else you would like to share? 

Abhina Aher has created deep and lasting impact internationally through her tireless advocacy for transgender and key populations within the broader LGBTQI+ movement. Her work spans policy, research, program design, and community-led interventions, positioning her as a strategic and influential voice in global forums. She has represented India and the transgender community at prestigious platforms such as the United Nations, WHO, UNAIDS, and the Global Fund, articulating the unique challenges of trans and key populations with intelligence, clarity, and cultural sensitivity.

In the Asia Pacific region, Abhina has skillfully navigated complex policy spaces to amplify trans inclusion, engaging governments, donors, and multilateral agencies. Her strategic approach — combining evidence-based research, policy dialogue, and community storytelling — has sensitized key stakeholders to the urgent need for gender-affirmative policies and sustainable interventions. She has been instrumental in building early partnerships with corporates and CSRs, creating inclusive workplaces, livelihood opportunities, and visibility platforms for trans persons in India.

Her vision emphasizes sustainable, systemic change: investing in research, policy advocacy, and cross-sector engagement to ensure transgender inclusion is embedded in health, education, and employment programs. By linking international advocacy with local implementation, Abhina has not only expanded opportunities for transgender communities in India but also inspired a generation of leaders across the Asia Pacific, demonstrating how strategic, thoughtful, and compassionate leadership can drive transformative social impact.

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