Sheethal Shyam

Sheethal Shyam (born Shyam C. S., on September 3, 1982) is an Indian transgender activist, writer, actor, and public speaker from Kerala. In 2016, she received the Trans Achiever Award by the social justice department, Government of Kerala.

Early life and background Sheethal Shyam was born as Shyam C. S. on September 3, 1982, in Thrissur, Kerala, India, into a middle class Roman Catholic family; her father was an auto-rickshaw driver and her mother a homemaker.

She experienced gender dysphoria from an early age and faced discrimination and violence during her school years, which led her to discontinue formal education.

In 2012, she served as secretary of the Sexual Minorities Forum Kerala (SMFK) and contributed to India's first transgender survey.

Sheetal was the first one to receive an IFFK transgender pass. She was also the first to receive a transgender membership card from State Central Library established in 1829 in Kerala.

Shyam frequently participates in literary festivals, academic forums, and cultural events across India, speaking on gender identity, representation, and social inclusion.

Cultural and media career As a columnist, she wrote Kerala's first queer column in the Mathrubhumi Azhchappathippu.

She participated as the guest of honor of the government at the 2016 International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and also served as a delegate committee member at the 2021 IFFK. She received the award for her performance in 'Avalkkoopam', directed by Kuku Babu.