Nepal, March 1 -- Life has never been easy for Angel Lama. From struggling to come to terms with her parents' divorce and her mother's illness to being consumed by suicidal thoughts, it's always been difficult. But above all is perhaps her life long struggle for acceptance and respect. Born Sabin Lama, Angel always felt trapped in the wrong body. Severely bullied at school for her 'feminine' mannerisms by peers, juniors and seniors alike, Angel grew to dread social interactions and attempted to end her life when she was 16 years old.

But soon it was all to change. Angel won Miss Pink Nepal 2018, a national level pageant for transwomen. As someone who has always rejoiced in the company of people, Angel fights for equity and the rights of ...