A key strength of the docu-series ‘In Transit’ is its direct engagement with the transgender community. The series gives a voice to transgender people, male and female, by letting them speak to the camera without any intermediary narration.
This direct communication approach is what makes ‘In Transit’ so captivating.
Instead of focusing on how to ‘understand’ marginalized communities, the series seems to recognize their desire for autonomy. The series moves away from the conventional attempts to ‘understand’ marginalized communities, instead acknowledging their desire for acceptance.
Producers Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, along with director Ayesha Sood, elevate voices often unheard within the trans community. These are voices that aren’t frequently represented in the media. They don’t shout; they are listened to.
Another strength of this exploration of gender identity is the lack of self-pity. The series features resilient individuals determined to live as their true selves, prioritizing companionship and empathy over societal norms.
One striking segment features a woman who identifies as a man, sharing how they persuaded their parents to not force a marriage, cleverly leveraging patriarchal arguments.
While the series acknowledges instances of bullying, assault, discrimination, and abandonment, it also highlights the kindness of those around these gender-ambivalent individuals.
While the series can be introspective, it ultimately celebrates ‘otherhood’ with optimism. The interviewees demonstrate a clear understanding of their inner and outer worlds. For example, one trans-woman (Madhuri) finds happiness in marriage with her straight boyfriend. ‘In Transit’ gives us hope that there would be more such safe landings for the turbulent community.