Reshma of Kashmir

Reshma (1950 - November 2022), popularly known as Reshma of Kashmir, was a transgender singer and activist from Srinagar, Kashmir. She attained celebrity status and videos of her singing have garnered thousands of views on social media.

Early life Reshma was born in Srinagar. She had two sisters and six brothers. As a child, she was bullied for her feminine clothing choices and style of speaking. She dropped out of school after fifth standard as a result, and began working as a tailor under the supervision of her uncle. In 2011, Reshma, along with other transgender activists, approached the state's social welfare department to initiate an 'Intervention Plan', aimed at rehabilitating transgender persons in the Valley.

In media Reshma was included in a 2022 documentary on transgender Kashmiri people, entitled Trans Kashmir. In 2023, she was profiled by writer-activist Aditya Tiwari in the anthology Over the Rainbow: India’s Queer Heroes, published by Juggernaut, alongside figures such as Madhu Kinnar, Rituparno Ghosh, Saleem Kidwai, and Laxmi Narayan Tripathi.

Death Reshma died from cancer in November 2022 at the age of 70, leaving behind a lasting legacy through her songs and tireless work for the transgender community in India-administered Kashmir.