Born in Mumbai’s Mahim in the mid-1990s, Zoya Thomas Lobo’s early years were defined by hardship. She grew up in a small family with her father, mother, and elder sister. Her father, a security guard, was the family’s sole breadwinner. When he passed away unexpectedly, Zoya was just 11 years old. The tragedy pushed the family into financial distress, and Zoya had to drop out of school in Class 5. To support her mother and sister, she took on multiple odd jobs working at a bakery, a theatre, and even as a receptionist. 

Yet, alongside the financial struggles, Zoya also battled her inner conflict of gender dysphoria. Born biologically male, she gradually began to identify with her true self. While society ridiculed her, her mother, after initial resistance, eventually accepted her as a daughter. Begging became Zoya’s main source of income. Earning ₹500–₹800 daily, she survived but could never dream of a future beyond hand-to-mouth existence.

A Chance Encounter with Cinema

In 2018, Zoya’s life shifted unexpectedly. On YouTube, she came across a short film titled Hijra Shraap Ya Vardaan(Curse or Blessing). Annoyed at the casting of an actor in a transgender role, she left a comment criticizing the film. That boldness caught the filmmakers’ attention. They cast her in the sequel, and Zoya delivered a powerful performance, earning her first acting award. 

At the film’s success party, a media representative noticed her confidence and English-speaking ability, offering her a reporting job. This moment became the gateway into journalism, a profession where Zoya would eventually find her voice and her passion for photography.

The Birth of a Photojournalist

While covering stories as a reporter, Zoya discovered her fascination with the camera. Photography, she realized, allowed her to capture reality in its rawest form. She saved money from begging to buy a second-hand camera, and soon, she was photographing street life, protests, and even wildlife. For Zoya, the lens was not just a tool; it was a way of telling stories that society often ignored. Each picture became her voice, a bridge between her struggles and her dreams.

From the Streets to the Headlines

In April 2020, while traveling by train, she saw migrant workers protesting outside Bandra station. Without hesitation, she rushed home, picked up her camera, and returned to document the event. Her photographs of the migrant crisis struck a chord and were published by multiple media outlets. That moment marked her arrival as India’s first transgender photojournalist. Over the next two years, she captured vaccination drives, empty streets, and the resilience of ordinary citizens during the pandemic. Her work was praised for its honesty and depth. Assignments flowed in; she shot for major brands  and even got opportunities in television journalism. For a brief period, Zoya’s dreams seemed within reach.

Why Zoya’s Story Matters

Zoya’s story is not just about one person’s fight; it is about society’s responsibility. She represents the dual struggles of identity and opportunity. On one hand, she faced ridicule and rejection for being transgender; on the other, she continues to be neglected professionally despite proven talent. Her hard work reminds us that talent can come from the most unexpected places, but it takes the collective effort of society, institutions, and the media to ensure such talent is nurtured and not wasted. Zoya is more than a photojournalist. She is a mirror to our society’s biases and humanity. Supporting her means supporting countless others like her who are fighting to be seen and respected.