U.S. Government Launches TransFormation Salon to Support Enhanced Career Opportunities for the Transgender Community

Mumbai: Today in Kalyan, U.S. Consul General Mike Hankey and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Mission Director for India Karen Klimowski inaugurated a new salon named ‘TransFormation,’ which is owned and operated by members of the transgender community. Launched on the International Transgender Day of Visibility, the TransFormation Salon will offer services for all in an inclusive and stigma-free environment.

 U.S. Consul General Mike Hankey said, “The U.S. Government is proud to support TransFormation, where anyone - regardless of how they identify - can access salon services in a safe and inclusive environment for all guests. We recognize and celebrate the important contributions of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people and take pride in supporting improved health outcomes through innovative models that mobilize communities to take charge of their financial and physical health.”

USAID/India Deputy Mission Director Karen Klimowski said, “Using USAID’s principle ‘Do nothing about them without them’ as a guide, we are happy to share that members of the transgender community were directly involved in designing and establishing TransFormation, which is a priority for USAID as we prioritize locally-led and inclusive development. The salon will not only serve the community, but enhance career and entrepreneurship opportunities for the local transgender community.”

Neeta Kene, Chairperson, Kinnar Asmita, a community-based organization, which set up and will operate TransFormation, said, “This initiative is a strong message to the society that Transgender Persons with the right kind of skilling and support can effectively mainstream themselves. For us this is not only an initiative on livelihoods, it is on dignity, self-worth, and progress. We are thrilled to start this initiative and we need the support of the mainstream to make it a roaring success both socially and financially.”

The International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual celebration and recognition of the contributions of transgender people around the world.  On this day and every day, the U.S. Government honors transgender people who are fighting for freedom, equality, dignity, and respect.  The TransFormation Salon was established with support from USAID and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in partnership with FHI 360 and the Humsafar Trust. As the United States marks the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR, today’s launch is a continuation of the U.S. Government’s commitment to ending the inequities and service gaps that still stand in the way of progress.