Bobbii Laishram, a transgender woman and the winner of the 2010 trans beauty pageant, Indian Super Queen, has been running Bobbii Hair Art Studio in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, since 2012. Her chic salon, known for its makeovers, threading, and hair treatments, has seen a drastic decline in business since the eruption of violent ethnic strife in the state. With at least 180 fatalities and more than 50,000 people displaced, normal life remains elusive in Manipur.
Laishram is not alone; approximately half of the beauty salons in Manipur are owned and operated by trans women, known locally as “Nupi Manbi.” For many trans women, these salons offered economic stability and a refuge from discrimination. However, as the violence disrupts daily life, many salon owners have been forced to close shop, relying on their savings to survive. Some have resorted to home visits, while others, particularly salon employees, have faced dire financial hardships.
India’s beauty industry is vast, estimated at around $2 billion, with millions of salons offering various services. Transgender women have played a significant role in this industry, making the shutdown of salons particularly devastating for the community. According to trans activist Santa Khurai, who opened one of the first salons in Manipur in the late 1990s, trans women in the state are often pigeonholed into entertainment and beauty roles.
The situation has left many salon owners, like Beauty Laishram (unrelated to Bobbii), struggling to afford basic necessities. Even as her salon has reopened, financial uncertainty prevails. Some landlords have shown understanding by reducing rent, but the road ahead remains uncertain.
For these salon owners, the hardships come after the COVID-19 pandemic already forced their businesses to close for months in 2020 and 2021. With no income during that period, they had to rely on their savings. Some, like a 22-year-old trans beautician whose house was burned down during the clashes, have faced even greater adversity.
While India’s legal landscape has become more inclusive for transgender individuals, employment opportunities remain limited. Many trans women choose the beauty industry, where they feel safe and can learn from others in the community. Customers have generally embraced trans salon owners, appreciating their skills and expertise, regardless of gender identity.
In a nation where diversity is celebrated, the resilience of transgender salon owners in the face of adversity serves as a testament to their determination and commitment to their craft.