Saisha Shinde: Inclusivity should not be limited to a once-a-year tokenism in the Pride Month

It is a year of firsts for celebrity designer Saisha Shinde. From her transition to a transwoman, to presenting her collection for the first time as Saisha, she is enjoying all of it while revelling in the liberation she feels right now. Speaking to us after her show that concluded recently, where she was a part of the grand finale, Saisha talks about how the transition has impacted the way she views her designs, the boycott culture and why India is not seeing true inclusion right now.
‘The transition made me review my designs from a woman’s perspective’
Saisha came out as a transwoman and began her transition in January this year.She believes that the process has made her review her designs according to what a woman would want and how they would feel in certain dresses. “I have gained a deeper understanding of how a woman wants to look when she chooses to wear a dress. While designing, I’ve started thinking where she could wear a particular dress, how deep can the necklines be, what a woman who’s broad like me would want to wear. My outfits still have the statement provocative look, but with a functional aspect added to it,” she says.

Talking about her first show as Saisha, she says that she was overwhelmed by the response and respect everyone showed. “Many of the models with whom I had previously worked as Swapnil saw me for the first time since my transition. They were quite happy to see me. There was a flutter in my stomach before the show. But at the conclusion, I received a roaring applause which carried on till the end of the show. At that moment, I looked up at the sky and thanked my stars. I will remember this moment forever, and Indore will always have a special place in my heart,” shares Saisha.
‘Hina Khan just had to be my first show stopper’
Popular television actress Hina Khan sashayed down the ramp in a red dreamy gown with a plunging neckline as the show stopper for Saisha. Speaking about why it had to be Hina, Saisha says, “I’ve always given my outfits to women who represent the brand's identity of being strong, opinionated, provocative, yet elegant. Hina was, is and shall forever be a fashion icon. The moment I saw what her aesthetic was at the Cannes Film Festival, I knew I had to give her my designs. Apart from that, I absolutely loved her on Bigg Boss. She showed me how a woman can stand her ground and deal with bullies. So, it was an easy decision for me. It was beyond special to have her as my first show stopper.”

‘Without creative freedom, we won’t have arts and entertainment’
Saisha has never shied away from voicing her opinions when it comes to talking about the boycott culture or undemocratic practices. She has always called out homo and transphobia on public platforms. Naturally, when asked about the boycott of ads that showed inclusion, she had an answer ready. “The idea of a democratic country is that everyone can have a point of view, where all opinions are welcome. But expecting people from authoritative places to enforce ridiculous laws is highly disturbing. Without creative freedom, we will have no arts and entertainment!” she says.
‘We don’t need hollow representation’
In her previous interactions with media, Saisha had expressed that she would like to see more prominent personalities from various spheres come out of the closet. Elaborating further, she adds, “Normalcy comes when you see or hear the same thing over and over again. When people see trans women in every walk of life, they won’t be surprised or shocked to meet them.”

But would that be enough to achieve inclusivity? “Inclusivity is about including those things that weren’t there before; it should not be limited to a once-a-year tokenism in the Pride Month! Do we ever see gay men or trans women on magazine covers if not during the Pride Month? How many brands truly cater to trans women? They all might have great publicity campaigns but we don’t need this hollow representation. True inclusivity is when we stop talking about it and the result is there for everyone to see. Actions speak louder than tokenism,” she concludes.