New Delhi: In a first, the Congress on Tuesday appointed transgender activist Apsara Reddy as a national general secretary of its women's wing, the Mahila Congress.

The Congress tweeted a photo of her standing alongside party president Rahul Gandhi. Sushmita Dev, who is the president of the Mahila Congress, was also present on the occasion.

Apsara Reddy has been appointed the first transgender National General Secretary of @MahilaCongress by Congress President @RahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/qDTZSgaoMH — Congress (@INCIndia) January 8, 2019

"All my life, 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," said Apsara upon joining the Congress.

Apsara Reddy, a former journalist, had joined the AIADMK party in May 2016. After Jayalalithaa’s death she moved to the pro-Sasikala camp of the AIADMK.

Before joining the AIADMK, she also had a brief stint with the BJP. Explaining her reasons for leaving the BJP, the activist complained that she was just a "photo opportunity" for the party on Women's day.

Apsara is probably the only trans personality to head several national newspapers across the world. Born a boy, Apsara later transitioned to be a woman.

She has a degree in broadcast journalism with specialisation in investigative journalism.