Trans Athlete Anaya Bangar opens up about gender transition journey and cricket harassment

The 25-year-old trans athlete and advocate recently appeared on Amazon MX Player's reality show "Rise and Fall," where she opened up about her experiences with discrimination, harassment, and her ongoing fight for inclusion in women's cricket.

 Early Recognition of Gender Identity

Anaya, formerly known as Aryan Bangar, revealed that she recognized her true gender identity at a remarkably young age. In her interview with The Lallantop, she shared: "For me it was when I was eight or nine years old, I used to pick clothes from my mom's cupboard and wear them. Then, I used to look into the mirror and say, 'I am a girl. I want to be a girl'". This early self-awareness marked the beginning of what would become a challenging but transformative journey toward living authentically.

 Hormone Replacement Therapy Journey

Anaya began her Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in December 2023 after moving to the United Kingdom. She described the transitioning phase as experiencing a "second puberty," explaining how the hormonal changes significantly impacted both her physical form and athletic abilities. The therapy involves blocking testosterone production while introducing estrogen, leading to substantial changes in muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical capabilities.

"Day by day, I could see the hormonal changes; my body was starting to curve out. I had chiseled 8-pack abs before, and now in the task, I couldn't even break the ice," she explained during her appearance on Rise and Fall.

 Harassment Within Cricket Community

In shocking revelations made both on The Lallantop interview and the Rise and Fall reality show, Anaya detailed disturbing incidents of harassment from fellow cricketers. She alleged that multiple cricketers sent her unsolicited nude photographs after learning about her gender transition.

"There have been a few cricketers who randomly sent me nude pictures of them," Anaya stated, adding that some individuals would publicly abuse her while later privately requesting her photos. In one particularly disturbing incident, she recounted how a veteran cricketer propositioned her inappropriately after she sought help regarding her situation.

On Rise and Fall, Anaya specifically mentioned an incident from late 2024: "When I publicly came out in November 2024, in December and January, while I was posting usual content on social media, a cricketer randomly added me. Without even talking to me, he just went ahead and sent his nude pictures to me. Everyone knows him; he is very famous".

Impact on Cricket Career and ICC Ban

Anaya's cricket career, which included playing alongside future stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Musheer Khan, was significantly affected by both her physical transition and policy changes. The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned transgender women from international women's cricket in November 2023, citing concerns about competitive integrity and safety.

Despite this setback, Anaya has approached both the BCCI and ICC with scientific evidence supporting her eligibility for women's cricket. She collaborated with Manchester Metropolitan University to conduct comprehensive physiological assessments showing her performance parameters fall within cisgender female athlete norms.

Financial Challenges and Community Support

During her appearance on Rise and Fall, Anaya revealed that her complete transition surgery would cost approximately Rs.50 lakhs, shocking her fellow contestants. The revelation prompted emotional responses from other participants, with actor Arjun Bijlani promising Rs.10 lakhs from his potential prize money and contestant Aarush Bhola pledging Rs.5 lakhs to support her medical expenses.

Family Dynamics and Social Acceptance

Anaya has been candid about the complex relationship with her family following her transition. She mentioned that her family has not fully accepted her yet, though she remains hopeful that "maybe they will with time". The situation has been particularly challenging given her father Sanjay Bangar's prominent position in Indian cricket, which she says contributed to the pressure she felt to hide her identity for years.

Current Advocacy and Future Goals

Now based in Manchester, UK, Anaya continues to advocate for transgender inclusion in sports while pursuing opportunities in the entertainment industry. She regularly creates content on social media and has become a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights in India. Her participation in Rise and Fall has provided a platform to share her story with a wider audience and raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgender individuals.

Anaya's journey represents both the personal struggles of gender transition and the broader systemic issues within sports regarding transgender inclusion. Her willingness to speak openly about harassment, discrimination, and the need for evidence-based policies continues to spark important conversations about creating more inclusive sporting environments.

The ongoing debate surrounding transgender participation in sports remains complex, with Anaya's case highlighting the need for nuanced, scientifically-informed policies that balance competitive integrity with human rights and dignity.