Against their will, transgender and gender-diverse individuals across Asia are forced to undergo abusive and harmful so-called “conversion therapy” practices in order to change their gender identity or expression.

On this Trans Day of Visibility #TDoV, we emphasise the importance of highlighting narratives and lived experiences of our community in our movement for rights. Today we feature the story of a trans woman from Bangladesh who survived these practices. Tarin Tani talks about her experiences of abuse at the hands of family members, medical professionals and religious leaders: “I was 25 and I was waiting for my graduation. I told my parents that I was trans [woman] and they were shocked. They said ‘How is this possible? You are biologically a boy!” For 6 months, I clearly remember that they locked me in a room. They tortured me. And some religious leader [used to] come everyday and [used] some…holy water and [said] that I am a man, not a woman. At that time, I was shocked and [asked] my mom ‘I am your child, why are you doing this to me?’ Then they sent me to a doctor. The doctor gave me some therapies… and some medicine which were horrible for [my health]. My father and mother beat me, slapped me and sometimes there was a chain on my leg [connected] with the bed so [that] I can’t go outside. Several times…I think I have attempted suicide.”

This is a joint campaign with All Out, Noboprobhaat Foundation, Inclusive Bangladesh, Somporker Noya Setu and Prantoz Foundation.