Find out more about the honouree

I am Joya Sikder, a proud transgender woman and lifelong human rights advocate from Bangladesh. My journey began in 1996 when I started working with CARE Bangladesh in an HIV prevention program. That experience opened my eyes to the struggles, stigma, and resilience of my community. Growing up in a deeply conservative society, I faced rejection, discrimination, and even threats to my safety but I never allowed fear to silence my truth.

Over time, I realized that my identity could be my strength. I dedicated my life to empowering others like me to show that we are not invisible, and that we deserve dignity and equality. My activism is not just my profession, it is my calling.

I believe that every human being, regardless of gender identity, deserves love, respect, and opportunity. This belief has guided my entire life and continues to drive me to build a society where diversity is celebrated, not punished.

Professionally, I have devoted nearly three decades to improving the health, rights, and social inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse people in Bangladesh. My early work with CARE Bangladesh gave me first-hand experience of the barriers our community faces in accessing healthcare and protection. Over the years, I worked with several rights- based and development organizations, focusing on HIV prevention, gender justice, and community empowerment.

In 2010, I founded Somporker Noya Setu, which later became SOMPURNA in 2022. As Founder and Managing Partner, I lead a dedicated team that provides health services, legal support, and skills training to LGBTQ+ people while advocating for inclusive public policy.

I also served as the President of the National Sex Workers Network (2007–2014), representing one of the most marginalized groups in Bangladesh, and worked with icddr,b as a researcher on HIV and public health issues affecting key populations. My professional mission has always been to transform empathy into action, turning lived experience into structured advocacy that can bring lasting, systemic change.

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

The achievement I am most proud of is contributing to the official recognition of “Hijra” as the third gender in Bangladesh in 2013. This milestone was not just a legal reform, it was a powerful acknowledgment of our existence and humanity. For the first time, transgender people could identify themselves in national documents and voter registration. It was amoment of dignity for countless people who had lived in the shadows. Knowing that my advocacy helped open that door remains one of the proudest moments of my life.

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

The biggest challenge in my work is confronting deep-rooted stigma and discrimination that persist in every layer of society from families to government institutions. Even after legal recognition, many people still face rejection, unemployment, and violence. As a visible trans activist, I have personally faced harassment and death threats. Yet, the silence of injustice is harder to bear than the noise of opposition. These challenges remind me why our struggle must continue because until every transgender person can live safely and proudly, our work is not finished.

What do you do to recharge your battery?

My greatest source of energy comes from my community. Seeing young transgender people stepping into leadership roles and speaking up for their rights fills me with renewed strength. Personally, I find peace in music and meditation. It helps me reconnect with myself after long, emotionally draining days. Spending time with my close circle of friends, sharing laughter and stories, reminds me that joy is also a form of resistance. These small, grounding moments keep my heart open and my spirit strong for the work ahead.

What is your vulnerability and how do you overcome it?

My vulnerability lies in carrying the emotional weight of my community’s pain. Witnessing the struggles, rejection, and loss that so many face can sometimes feel overwhelming.

There are moments when I question if our efforts are enough. But I overcome this by reminding myself that change takes time and courage is built through persistence. I find strength in the collective, in the voices, faces, and stories of those who refuse to give up. Their resilience turns my vulnerability into determination and keeps me moving forward.

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

When I heard about the nomination, I felt deeply honored and emotional. This recognition is not just about me, it belongs to every transgender person in Bangladesh who has fought to be seen and respected. For decades, our stories have been hidden or ignored, so being nominated for the Transgender HERO Award means our struggles and achievements are finally being recognized at a regional level. It gives me hope that our voices are reaching beyond borders and that the next generation of trans people will inherit a world with more dignity and equality

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?

Our movement was born from struggle, but it continues to grow through solidarity. The political challenges we face today are reminders of why unity matters more than ever. To my fellow activists and communities across Asia and the Pacific, I want to say this: never underestimate the power of visibility, compassion, and collective courage. Change does not happen overnight, but every act of love and advocacy brings us closer to equality. Let us keep standing together, learning from one another, and believing that a more inclusive world is not a dream, it is our shared destiny.

Anything else you would like to share?

I want to dedicate this nomination to all the transgender people who are still fighting for acceptance, safety, and justice especially those who never had the chance to be heard.

Our lives are not defined by pain, but by our persistence and our power to create beauty in the face of adversity. I believe that visibility is a form of activism, and every step we take in the light makes it easier for others to follow. My journey continues for them, and because of them.

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