Sasha, 21, is a fashion model and an activist who studied information technology. She is also transgender.

She took a big risk and appeared in a fashion show that aired on television; in a way, that was her coming out.

Sasha, who uses one name, suffered at first, but today many see her as an inspiration, not just for transgender people, but for others in the community who don’t have a voice.

It was not always that way. At school she was bullied for being different. In the streets, she is often still harassed.

“If I want to stand and face the world for my own rights, I’m ready to do that. It is my freedom, my self-expression. If I don’t fight for that, then why am I living here?”

But she sees societal perceptions changing for the better. At this stage, she feels she is learning about patience and compassion.

“If you have compassion toward something, you must have patience for it to happen,” she said.

She hopes that one day people won’t think about gay and transgender issues, and will just let humans be humans.