Kerala’s Trailblazer: Thripthi Shetty Becomes a National Symbol of Transgender Entrepreneurship & Inclusion

Kochi, Kerala — From silent struggles to national spotlight, Thripthi Shetty has emerged as one of India’s most inspiring transgender entrepreneurs—pioneering change in artisan business, digital innovation, and inclusive policy advocacy.

Born in 1986 in Manjeshwar, Kasaragod, and assigned male at birth, Thripthi (formerly Kiran) overcame profound personal loss, social rejection, and gender dysphoria. Her turning point came in the early 2000s when she left home to pursue her identity with quiet determination, saving for gender-affirmation surgery while working jobs in Chennai and Mumbai.

Making History in Kerala

Thripthi became Kerala’s first openly transgender employee, breaking a powerful barrier for the LGBTQIA+ community in the workplace. But it was only the beginning.

Through Kudumbashree’s transgender neighborhood group in Kochi, she gained a platform to pursue entrepreneurship. Her perseverance led to a ₹1 lakh loan from SBI—one of the first business loans to a transgender woman in the state.

Handicrafts with Purpose

In 2017, she officially launched Thripthi Handicrafts, producing eco-conscious jewellery using silk thread, black metal, stones, and recycled materials. Her first exhibition at Kochi’s Marine Drive was a sell-out success, with long queues and glowing feedback for her fusion of creativity and culture.

In 2018, she became the first transgender artisan registered with the Kerala Handicrafts Development Corporation and later, the first transgender Mudra loan applicant—setting standards for accessible finance and recognition.

Digital Disruption for Social Good

Thripthi didn’t stop at offline sales. In 2019, she launched the Thripthi Handicrafts Android app, enabling direct-to-consumer access for artisans across Kerala, particularly transgender and marginalized creators. Every purchase contributed ₹10 to transgender welfare—fusing business with social responsibility.

Diversification into Aquaculture

With support from CMFRI’s Science Technology Innovation Hub, she launched Thripthi Aquatics, a venture in ornamental fish breeding. Despite the COVID-19 impact, she revived the business and earned recognition on International Women’s Day 2023 for her resilience and innovation in fisheries.

Personal Milestone & Activism

Thripthi married Hrithik M, a trans man and journalist, marking Kerala’s first transgender entrepreneur couple. Together, they pledged their bodies for medical research, urging the inclusion of transgender individuals in healthcare science.

Beyond business, Thripthi is a committed activist for transgender rights—from voter ID access to social security and government schemes. She uses her digital platforms and public engagements to champion visibility, voice, and opportunity for the nearly 25,000 transgender people in Kerala.

Looking Ahead

Thripthi envisions a flagship transgender-led handicrafts emporium in Kerala’s tourism sector, complete with government-backed retail space and marketing support. Her mission is clear:

“One empowered transgender person can inspire a thousand. Inclusion isn’t charity—it’s a necessity.”

---

Fast Facts – Thripthi Shetty