Prithika Yashini made history when she was the first trans person accepted into a police force in India.

After a long court battle, Yashini was finally accepted into Tamil Nadu’s police force and graduated training earlier this year.

On Monday she reported for her first day on the job as a Sub Inspector in the law and order unit at Choolaimedu police station.

Given the historic moment the media was waiting for the 27-year-old as she arrived to work on a scooter with a colleague.

‘This is a dream come true. I have crossed several hurdles to reach where I am today. I promise to serve society without without exhibiting any bias,’ Yashini told the media pack.

One of her duties on day one as a police officer included going out on patrol in her station’s jurisdiction.

The station’s Inspector said he was very happy to have Yashini on his team. Insp J Shivakumar said he appreciated Yashini’s presence because there were a lot of trans people in his jurisdiction.

‘We will not be biased towards her and she will be treated on par with other police personnel. Since there are many transgender people in our jurisdiction, Yashini’s presence will be an advantage,’ he told the Times of India.

Making history

Yashini’s nine-month legal battle in the Madras High Court to allow her to join the police force paved the way for other trans people.

‘The social impact of such recruitment cannot be lost sight of, as it would give strength to the case of transgenders,’ the judges said in their ruling.

‘Yashini must reach the finish line, and not be stopped and disqualified in the middle.’

Earlier this month, three more trans women passed the police academy with flying colours. They’ll soon join the Tamil Nadu police force as constables.