A Day In The Life Of Zoya, From Reporting As A Photojournalist To Begging On The Trains

Zoya Lobo rose to fame during the COVID-19 lockdown when national and international media channels picked her pictures of migrant labourers protesting in Bandra, Mumbai. However, almost a year later, Zoya struggles to get even a single assignment.

zoya lobo exclusive interview day in their life

"If trans inclusivity debates really made a difference, tell me, why do trans people are at signals and trains, begging, they should have been at offices, working. People only talk about our community, trans inclusivity during the pride month but in reality, nothing has changed," said Zoya on being asked if the chatter around transgender social inclusion and equality has brought about any change for her or her community.

Zoya Lobo spoke extensively on how the ‘only talk, no action formula’ of Indian society has failed the trans community. She said, "Sirf baatein he hoti hai, waise kuch ho nahi raha hain, agar aisa kuch hota humari community ko aaj bhi police bharti ke liye protest nahi karna padta (People only talk about the community, otherwise nothing happens, if action was taken, our community would not protest to get admission in the police)”,

Zoya Lobo rose to fame after her exclusive pictures of migrant labourers protesting in Bandra, Mumbai got picked by various national and international newspapers.

Lobo became India's first trans photojournalist. People began to recognise her, and soon, she bagged her first international assignment with a Canadian Publication, La Presse. Lobo also became the face of prominent brands like Google and Kay Beauty.

Unfortunately, today, Lobo struggles to get two meals a day. On most days she has now work assignments and seeks alms at shops and trains.

A Day In Zoya’s Life

Lobo starts her day with hope but often heads back home disheartened with no money to buy herself a meal. "I am India's first trans photojournalist and the title has got me fame but I don't have work. To survive, I beg on local trains. There are days when I get only ₹1, sometimes, I don't even get that," shared Zoya Lobo.

zoya lobo fame

"I beg in the ladies' compartment during the day and in the evening, there are three ladies' special trains which I consider my family. Some women groups travel regularly in this train and I feel really close to them, " Lobo opened up while speaking about earning her livelihood.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZOYALOBO (@zoya_lobo_01)

"I get off and exchange the chillar for notes from the shopkeeper. I then come back home and do some household chores. I somehow overcome the challenges I experience through the day and get ready for the next day to follow the same routine," she added.

The Curious Case Of Transphobia

transphobia

Netizens couldn’t stop hailing Zoya Lobo when pictures shot by her went viral over the internet. However, soon the buzz died and Lobo was back to being subjected to demeaning comments and disturbing stares. "I always dress up nicely, I wear a saree and treat everyone respectfully while I am begging on a local train. However, some people always make faces, and ask me to stay away," said Zoya Lobo.

"I see two sides of people in our society. If I go to a cafe, restaurant, or meeting space wearing a formal outfit then I am allowed to enter but if I step out in a saree, and wear a lot of makeup which is my usual look then people see me as transgender. They won't let me in, ask me many questions, they would often ask me to show my documents," said Zoya Lobo on the duplicity of the society.

Zoya still feels that not many people are aware of her work and that's one reason why she struggles to get projects. However, she continues to be optimistic and hopes for a brighter future ahead. This Pride Month, we celebrate Zoya’s hopefulness and grit. We hope she finds light in the days ahead and gets to live her dream of being a photographer.

#LivingWithPride

Redefining narratives, fostering awareness and a world of inclusion with thought-provoking stories around LGBTQAI. To read more, click on our special pageLiving With Pride and be a part of this special journey

HzLogo

Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!

GET APP