Sixteen-year-old Raynah Hazari was always intrigued by the transgender folk that she saw at the traffic signals, railway stations etc. She often wondered what made them tick and was concerned about their well-being. The young one didn’t know what she could do, but always wanted to do something.

Two years ago Raynah was introduced to the Alert Citizen Forum by her arts teacher and mentor in the field, Satyendra Rane of the Sahayog Art Foundation. While working on her project with the Forum, she met a few transgender folks. And that was just the beginning of activity with them for her.

Today she has curated an exhibition, Falak, where nine transgender artists are showing their work with a some known mainstream artists. And this is not that most 16-year-olds are seen doing.

“During the Covid times I had read up a lot about the injustices that they face, and neglect when it comes to healthcare facilities or education. I spoke to my parents and obviously my mentor Satyen sir so about it. I want to do something to help them and make them feel more included. Sir introduced me to the forum,” shares Raynah.

This is not the first time Raynah is doing an art project with the transgender society. Last year, during the Pride Month, Raynah got them to paint umbrellas which were later distributed by the foundation amongst the needies.

However, an exhibition of this scale is different from a few umbrellas. It also involved getting other mainstream artists involved. Not only that, but the talent also had to be tapped amongst the transgender folks. “I have been in constant touch with the community ever since I first met them nearly two years ago. Therefore, it was not so difficult,” tells Raynah. “We, Satyen sir and me, invited sketches and doodles from the artists who had participated in the umbrella drive. We received many of those. It was from those sketches and doodles that we chose these nine artists. You have to see the work to believe. They are soooo talented!” exclaims an excited Raynah.

The aim of Falak, the art show, is inclusivity. Was it difficult to get the mainstream artists involved in this activity? “Not at all,” says Raynah. “Most of the artists whom we approached were all excited about the project. Some called on their own saying that wanted to participate in this exhibition because they wanted to contribute towards the cause.”

What motivated her to curate such an exhibition? “I think art is such an important medium of connecting people. Throughout my life I've always found it as a medium expressing myself. I think it can say so much more than words can. I wanted to share and use this everyone,” says Raynah. “I was a little scared to take this initiative up because obviously they've gone through so much in their lives. For them, it's hard to open up to people. They are treated like they're not a part of us. But they are so nice, so loving, and once they open up to you, that's really like really, really. Incredible individuals. And I wanted the society to see that through their art.”

It was Raynah’s fascination with art that led her to Rane and then to the transgender community. How and when did she fall in love with this creative form? “I have been doodling since childhood,” informs Raynah. “I've always just looked to art to like, find solace and just I've always, like, painted and doodled all my life. And I was lucky that my parents supported me. Though there’s nobody else from the family who is interested in arts, they wholeheartedly supported me and helped me find a mentor in Satyen sir.”

Rahyna wants to continue her arts education after her 12th boards and wants to continue to support the transgender population of the city.