Bengaluru Boy Receives Passport with Only Transgender Mother's Name, Marking Historic Move for Transgender Parents

In a groundbreaking decision, the Bengaluru Regional Passport Office has issued a passport to five-year-old Avin Akkai Padmashali, listing only his transgender mother’s name—Akkai Padmashali—while omitting the father's name. This historic move marks a significant step toward recognizing the rights and identities of transgender parents in India.

A Historic First for Transgender Parents

Akkai Padmashali, a renowned transgender human rights activist, had been granted a divorce from her cisgender husband, Vasudev V, and was awarded sole custody of their adopted son, Avin. The decision to issue the passport with only Akkai’s name is being hailed as a progressive change, as it acknowledges the challenges faced by single-parent transgender individuals.

Akkai's Powerful Statement on the Decision

In an interview with Deccan Herald, Akkai expressed her joy and pride in the achievement, highlighting the importance of this step for the transgender community. "This is not just a personal victory but a significant societal recognition of transgender parents," Akkai said. "The government has acknowledged the struggles of divorced, single-parent transwomen like myself."

The Journey to Legal Recognition

Akkai and her former husband Vasudev, who married in 2017 and legally registered their marriage in 2018, adopted Avin in 2019. Akkai is also known for being the first transgender woman in India to have her marriage legally recognized. The new passport reflects a broader shift in India’s approach to transgender rights, marking a major victory for inclusivity.

A Step Toward Inclusivity for Transgender Families

The passport, which does not list the father’s name, reflects a broader shift in India’s approach to transgender rights, highlighting the growing recognition of the need for inclusivity in legal documents and societal structures. This change is seen as an important step forward in affirming the rights of transgender parents and their families.