India’s oldest political party, India National Congress, has elected a transgender activist, making her the first in the party’s history. Apsara Reddy is now the party’s office-bearer at the national level. The party’s president, Rahul Gandhi, appointed Reddy.

“All my life,” Reddy said, “transgender women have been told that you’ll never be able to make it in your life…To be welcomed into one of India’s largest and oldest national parties is hugely emotional for me.”

“I will work with the Congress’ Mahila state units across India towards women’s economic empowerment, fighting against social injustices, helping women find their human rights,” Reddy added.