The Forbidden Love

“I grow up in terrible loneliness. I wanted to talk to someone, but no one was there to listen to me. I left home knowing that no one will come to take me back. I have never lived a normal life. And love has always been forbidden”

– Lara (23), a transwoman and a professional dancer.



At the beginning of hormone replacement therapy, Lara was perplexed and faced difficulties. Nevertheless, she is still adamant in her process of transforming herself. Ironically, her courage and determination do not alter the course of society – especially its typical pejorative viewpoints about her. In Bangladesh, having been abandoned by family and friends, transgender people are subject to extensive daily abuse. The existing and continuously growing transphobia in society is an obstacle in the trajectory of enlightenment for an individual. The featured individuals of the LGBTQ+ community share a wide variety of such life narratives. Their poignant journey of life requires a voice. Their horrendous and traumatic events escaped by their very own bravery unveil the curtains from the monument of life experiences.