Anaya Bangar's Battle against Gender Transition and Cricket

Anaya Bangar has been grabbing the headlines in recent times because she revealed her journey of gender transformation with the world. Having undergone gender-affirming surgery and hormone replacement therapy, Anaya became closer to herself. But her journey was not without its turmoil, particularly in the cricketing fraternity that had always loved her. Alas, her dad Sanjay Bangar, a retired cricketer, informed her that there was no room for her in the game anymore. This choice made Anaya feel rejected by her family as well as by society.

While talking to Lallantop in a candid interview, Anaya revealed the tough decision that she had to make for her cricket career. She informed us that her father explained to her there was no room for her in cricket after she shifted. Even though it was a painful and sensitive issue, he shared how much his words affected her. She explained that his comment made her feel the world did not have room for her, not only in cricket but life as a whole. In spite of the love and affection from her family, Anaya felt lonely in the outside world, particularly in cricket.

Anaya talked about how her transition was opposed by the outside world. She added that at this time, she experienced harsh mental health issues and even struggled with suicidal thoughts, as it felt like the whole world was against her. The struggle to be accepted for what she really was was a battle she felt as though she was losing. The sport that she loved and played with such passion no longer had a place for her, and even simple opportunities and rights were falling away from her. This made her feel trapped and isolated in a world that no longer seemed to get her change.

As if the ordeal of the transition was not enough, Anaya also brought to light harrowing experiences she endured in the world of cricket. She narrated how some of the older cricketers, upon discovering her change, acted inappropriately towards her. Anaya remembered receiving naked photographs from one cricketer who wanted to sleep with her, as well as harassment. She disclosed that she kept her identity hidden from the public for quite a while because of her father's prominent status in the cricket fraternity. Alas, the toxic masculinity culture prevalent in cricket further added to her misery.

Anaya also narrated her experiences dealing with other cricket players who both supported and harassed her in the interview. Albeit, despite the setbacks, Anaya upheld that she did have some of her own fans, but harassment in the form of derogatory and offensive messages made it difficult for her to excel in a sport she originally viewed as safe. The toxicity made her uncomfortable and unwelcome in the sport she loved.

Her admission was an eye-opener to many who were not aware of the challenges faced by transgender persons in sports, particularly when facing harassment and social rejection. Anaya's journey is a reminder of the challenges that individuals from the LGBTQ+ community have to face, not just in being accepted, but also in availing basic rights and opportunities in professional environments like sports.

The struggles Anaya Bangar encountered, both in her personal and professional life, underscore the necessity of more inclusivity and care for those who are going through gender transformation. Her experience serves as a strong reminder of the need to provide safe and inclusive spaces for all individuals, whether or not they identify with a certain gender, to achieve their aspirations without discrimination or harassment. Anaya's willingness to talk about what she went through is opening the door to further discussion of gender inclusion in sports and beyond.