Breaking barriers and rewriting history, Tashnuva Anan Shishir has become a powerful voice for transgender rights in Bangladesh and beyond. As a model, actress, activist, and news anchor, she has shattered societal norms, proving that representation is not just necessary - it is transformative. On March 8, 2021, she made headlines as Bangladesh’s first openly transgender news anchor, delivering the news on International Women’s Day - a symbolic moment for visibility and change.
Her journey has not stopped there. From gracing the runway at New York City Fashion Week to being elected as the first Bangladeshi member of the ILGA World board, Shishir continues to advocate for equality, breaking new ground with every step. Her work in the arts, media, and activism has positioned her as an inspiration not only in South Asia but around the world.
Monika: Today, I have the honor of speaking with Tashnuva Anan Shishir about her extraordinary journey, the challenges she has faced, and the dreams she continues to chase. Hello Tashnuva!
Tashnuva: Hello Monika!
Monika: Tashnuva, your debut as Bangladesh’s first transgender news anchor was a groundbreaking moment, not just for you, but for the entire trans community in your country. Can you take us back to that day? What were you feeling as you prepared to deliver your first news bulletin, and what kind of reactions did you receive afterward?
Tashnuva: That day, March 8, 2021, is etched in my memory forever. It was not just my debut as a news anchor, it was a historic moment for the entire transgender community in Bangladesh. The weight of that responsibility was immense. I knew that my presence on screen wasn’t just about reading the news; it was about breaking barriers, challenging societal norms, and paving the way for others like me.
As I sat in the newsroom, my heart pounded. I had trained hard, but the anxiety was overwhelming. Would I be accepted? Would people judge me for my identity rather than my abilities? Despite these fears, I took a deep breath and reminded myself why I was there, to represent my community, to show resilience, and to inspire hope.
When I finally went on air and delivered my first bulletin, I felt a mix of relief and triumph. It was surreal. The moment I finished, I burst into tears. The weight of years of struggle, rejection, and pain melted away, at least for a moment.
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| "As I sat in the newsroom, my heart pounded." |
Monika: After your TV debut, your professional career skyrocketed. Suddenly, you became an actress in high demand, pursued by both theater and film directors and captivating audiences with your roles in the Bangla film Kosai, the play I Shakuntala, and most notably, as Shou in Public Obscenities, where you stole the spotlight with your powerful performance. How much of Tashnuva can we see in these roles? Do you allow yourself to smuggle something from yourself into these roles?
Tashnuva: Absolutely! Every role I take on carries a piece of me. As an actress, I don’t just perform, I live, breathe, and feel my characters. Whether it’s Shakuntala, Shou, or my role in Kosai, I always find a way to weave my truth into them.
In I, Shakuntala, I deeply connected with the themes of abandonment and identity. Shakuntala’s resilience mirrored my own journey, navigating rejection, fighting for recognition, and reclaiming my own narrative. With Kosai, I delved into the raw, darker aspects of human nature, something I’ve encountered in my personal and professional life while advocating for marginalized communities.
And then there’s Shou in Public Obscenities, perhaps the role that allowed me the most freedom to channel my essence. Shou is bold, unapologetic, and deeply introspective, much like me. Playing Shou was liberating because, for the first time, I felt I wasn’t just performing, I was existing, wholly and truthfully, on stage. I smuggled my own emotions, my lived experiences, my joys, and even my scars into the role, making it intensely personal.
Acting, for me, is not just about portraying someone else, it’s about finding myself within the story. Every role becomes a dialogue between my past, my present, and my imagined possibilities. So yes, there’s always a bit of Tashnuva in every character I bring to life.
Monika: Can we expect to see you in any exciting new projects soon?
Tashnuva: Yes! I have some exciting projects in the works. While I can’t reveal everything just yet, I can say that I’m exploring new opportunities in both theater and film, pushing myself even further as an actress. After the incredible journey with Public Obscenities, I’m eager to take on roles that continue to challenge me, tell important stories, and bring authentic representation to the stage and screen.
Beyond acting, I’m also developing a Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) module specifically tailored for LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and women. This project is very close to my heart, as it merges my passion for performance, healing, and advocacy.
On the literary front, I’m writing my next book, along with another one based on my biography, a deeply personal project that will chronicle my journey, struggles, and triumphs.
And of course, Hollywood and Broadway are calling! I see myself stepping into those spaces, collaborating with visionary directors, and bringing diverse narratives to life. So, stay tuned, there’s so much more to come!
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| "Hollywood and Broadway are calling!" |
Tashnuva: I completely understand what you mean. As transgender women, and honestly, as women in general, we often become our own harshest critics, constantly measuring ourselves against unrealistic beauty standards. When I first stepped into modeling, I had my doubts, Was I enough? Did I fit the mold? Would people accept me? But over time, I realized that beauty isn’t about fitting into a narrow definition; it’s about owning who you are, with confidence and pride.
I navigated this challenge by shifting my perspective, seeing modeling not just as an industry but as a form of self-expression. I embraced the power of authenticity. I reminded myself that my journey, my scars, my experiences, all of it adds to my beauty. Instead of trying to fit into existing standards, I worked on redefining them, making space for trans beauty, resilience, and strength.
Of course, self-doubt still creeps in sometimes, it’s human. But I combat it by surrounding myself with people who uplift me, practicing self-love, and remembering why I do this, to inspire, to break barriers, and to remind every woman, cis or trans, that beauty is about confidence, presence, and being unapologetically yourself.
Monika: You’re not only a talented designer but a true artist with so many creative facets! When it comes to designing a new collection or costume, where do you typically find your inspiration?
Tashnuva: Thank you so much! For me, designing is more than just creating clothes or costumes, it’s storytelling through fabric, color, and form. Inspiration comes from everywhere, personal experiences, cultural heritage, history, nature, emotions, and even movement. Since I have a deep connection with performance and identity, I often pull from my own journey and the stories of marginalized communities to bring something meaningful to my designs.
When working on a new collection or costume, I always start with a feeling or a message. Sometimes it’s about strength and resilience, other times about fluidity and transformation. Textures, colors, and silhouettes follow that emotion. I also love merging traditional elements with contemporary styles, creating something that feels both timeless and revolutionary.
Beyond that, dance and theater also play a huge role in my creative process. Movement tells a story, and I design with that in mind, how fabric flows, how a costume enhances the emotions of a scene, how a piece makes the wearer feel powerful and seen.
Ultimately, my goal is to create designs that empower, inspire, and challenge norms, because fashion, like art, should be a tool for expression, resistance, and change.
Monika: Many of us embrace life as wives, mothers, and daughters, doing our best to leave the past behind. But you’ve chosen a different path - becoming a visible advocate for transgender rights and working to shape a more positive image of our community in society. Have you ever felt the temptation to stay in the closet and simply live as a woman, rather than as a transgender woman?
Tashnuva: That’s a deeply personal question, and I appreciate it. Yes, there were moments when I wondered what it would be like to just live quietly, to blend in, to not always carry the weight of visibility. But every time that thought crossed my mind, I reminded myself why I chose this path, not just for me, but for my community.
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| "Living as a transgender woman openly and unapologetically is a conscious choice I’ve made." |
For transgender people, simply existing is an act of resistance. But I wanted to do more than exist, I wanted to lead, uplift, and create change. I know that my visibility gives hope to those who feel unseen, those who are still fighting for their place in the world.
So, no, I never truly felt the temptation to hide. Instead, I embraced my truth because my journey, my voice, and my presence matter. And if living openly means that even one young trans person sees a future for themselves, then every struggle has been worth it.
Monika: We all know the journey to being our true selves comes with a heavy price. Like, losing friends, family, jobs, and all that. I must say I am one of them. Did you have to pay a heavy price for being you? What was the toughest part of your coming out?
Tashnuva: Yes, the price of living as my true self was heavy, losing friends, family, opportunities, and sometimes even my sense of safety. But despite it all, I wouldn’t trade my truth for anything.
The toughest part of my coming out was the isolation. I lost family connections that once felt unbreakable, and some friends who couldn’t accept my transition simply disappeared. The rejection was painful, but what hurt even more was the feeling of being unseen, as if my existence was suddenly inconvenient or uncomfortable for others.
Then came the professional struggles. Finding work as a transgender woman was incredibly difficult. Doors that were once open slammed shut, and I had to fight for every opportunity. Even when I finally made history as Bangladesh’s first transgender news anchor, I faced immense backlash and scrutiny. But I knew my visibility wasn’t just about me, it was about breaking barriers for others like me.
Perhaps the hardest thing, though, was rebuilding my sense of self-worth. The world constantly told me I wasn’t enough, that I didn’t belong. But I refused to believe that. I chose myself. I fought, I created my own space, and I surrounded myself with people who truly saw and valued me. Yes, I paid a heavy price, but in return, I gained something priceless, freedom, purpose, and a voice that no one can take away.
Monika: Do you remember the first time you saw a trans woman on TV or met one in real life that helped you realize, “That’s me!”?
Tashnuva: Yes, I remember it vividly. Growing up in Bangladesh, trans visibility in the media was almost nonexistent. There were no trans role models on TV who truly represented me, only stereotypes or marginalized portrayals. But the first time I met a hijra elder in real life, something inside me clicked. It wasn’t just about gender, it was about belonging.
I remember seeing her confidence, her resilience, and the way she carried herself despite society’s rejection. It was the first time I saw someone living as their true self, and deep down, I knew, this is me. I didn’t have the language for it back then, but I felt it in my soul.
Later, when I discovered global trans icons, actresses, activists, and leaders, it solidified my understanding. Seeing people like Laverne Cox, Janet Mock, and Anjali Ameer embrace their truth gave me permission to embrace mine.
That moment of recognition, the realization that I wasn’t alone, that others had walked this path before me, was life-changing. It gave me the courage to dream, to transition, and ultimately, to become the representation I never had for future generations.
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| "The hardest thing, though, was rebuilding my sense of self-worth." |
Tashnuva: I completely understand this struggle. Society has placed unrealistic and rigid standards on what it means to be a woman, and for trans women, that pressure can feel even more intense. No matter what we do, whether we have surgeries, wear makeup, or conform to certain beauty norms, there will always be people who judge us.
For me, the key to handling this is self-acceptance and redefining beauty on my own terms. I remind myself that my womanhood is not up for debate. I don’t need to “prove” anything to anyone. I am a woman because I know I am, because I live as one, because I embrace every part of myself.
Of course, the judgment can be painful, but I choose where I place my energy. I focus on the people who see me for who I truly am, who uplift me, and who celebrate diversity in beauty and identity. I also believe that confidence is the most powerful thing a woman, cis or trans, can wear. When you own yourself unapologetically, people feel it.
At the end of the day, we owe ourselves kindness, patience, and love. The journey to self-acceptance is ongoing, but every time we choose to live authentically, we challenge the world’s outdated standards and make space for future generations of trans women to exist without apology.
END OF PART 1
All photos: courtesy of Tashnuva Anan Shishir.
© 2025 - Monika Kowalska
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