When she stood on the podium after being declared Curvy Universe Trans 2023, Theertha Sarvika felt on top of the world. It was a moment of pride and joy for the 27-year-old from Kerala who had to face countless instances of ridicule, contempt and hatred for owning her gender identity.
Theertha, who represented India, won the title at the Miss Universe Trans Queen contest held in Delhi in December 2023. “I am the first plus-size winner in any trans beauty pageants held worldwide,” she says. “There were 12 contestants from 10 countries, and it was an exhilarating experience for me. That event taught me a lot, and I feel I am starting a new journey to help the trans community, and make a positive impact,’’ says Theertha, who is pursuing a career in modelling.
Growing up in a middle-class family in Ernakulam, Theertha identified as a girl from a young age. Though her parents were initially shocked and upset by her decision to own her true identity, they finally came to terms with it and accepted her.
‘’Femininity was obvious in my body language, expressions and attitude, and in the way I walked and talked. I was constantly bullied in school, and in college I was also called various derogatory names.’’
Years of harassment followed, and she faced physical as well as emotional trauma as she struggled to complete her engineering course in BTC College of Engineering and Technology, Koothattukulam.
In 2016, during her third year, photos from her social media were circulated among students, making her life in the campus miserable. She was also forced to leave the comfort of her home in 2017.
Theertha Sarvika beams as she is crowded Curvy Universe Trans 2023
“Though I had managed to convince my family members, their neighbours and relatives constantly taunted them. So I decided to leave my home, and could only meet my family once in a while,’’ she says.
After completing her degree, in 2017 she joined Kochi Metro as customer facilitator and worked for a year. That is when she decided to have a go at studies once again and enjoy campus life as a bold trans woman. She applied to an undergraduate course in Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, but couldn’t get admission.
What she did next helped score a major victory for the community. Along with two friends, Daya Gayathri and Praveen Nath, she submitted a petition at the district transgender welfare committee, which was forwarded to the education department. Unknown to many, Theertha played a key role in getting the Kerala government to issue an order in 2018 to reserve two seats for transgender applicants for all courses in the state universities and affiliated colleges.
Theertha completed BA in English Literature from Maharaja’s College while her initiative paved the way for several members of the trans community to continue their education, and made a difference to their lives.
Theertha opted to have a sex reassignment surgery in 2021. Later, she started working in the corporate sector in Bengaluru as her modelling career flourished.
Life as a beauty queen
“I walked the ramp for the first time in 2017. It was a beauty contest, Miss Trans Diamond, held in Bengaluru, and I won the Most Intelligent subtitle. Several pageants followed, and in 2023, at the Miss Trans Queen contest, I represented Kerala and won the Miss Pride title. It was a big honour for me,’’ says Theertha.
Theertha Sarvika
The glitz and glamour of the pageants come with a hefty price tag but Theertha’s friends and members of the community lend a helping hand, getting her designer clothes, makeup, accessories and paying for photoshoots. Her parents and her partner too support her wholeheartedly, says Theertha.
All these pageants have helped her look at the LGBTQIA+ community from a new angle. She is well aware of the governmental support and legal help that are available for trans persons in other countries like Brazil. They have access to sponsorships and funds for participating in beauty contests, which rarely happens in our country, she says. “I had a tough time finding sponsors,’’ says Theertha, adding that India could adopt many policies from these countries for the welfare of LGBTQIA+ people.
Taking her role as a beauty queen a step further, Theertha is planning to organise a grooming workshop for trans women who wish to walk the ramp.
“The Curvy Universe Trans 2023 title has given me a voice, and I will use it effectively for our community. I will be at the forefront of their fight for civil rights. Anyone from any minority community can be assured of my help and support anytime,’’ says Theertha.
