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Time of India

In Transit Season 1 Review: This docu-series is a moving portrait of trans lives and the journey to self-acceptance

Story: This documentary series delves into the lives of nine transgender and non-binary individuals from different parts of India, tracing their personal journeys, struggles, and milestones on the path to self-acceptance and identity. Review: 'In Transit' is a deeply thoughtful and poignant docu-series that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of nine transgender and non-binary individuals from across India. It explores their personal journeys, layered identities, and the complexities of love, family, and self-acceptance. From a clinical psychologist in Mumbai to a classical musician in Bangalore, a corporate executive in Jamshedpur to a budding filmmaker in Tripura—the series assembles a wide spectrum of voices that reflect both diversity and shared struggle. The debut episode functions as an introduction, gradually drawing us into their emotional and physical transformations. Each individual story captures an act of defiance—a refusal to conform and a desire to simply live as they truly are. The following episodes dive deeper into these journeys, tracing the difficult path to authenticity. Some individuals, like Anubhuti Banerjee, flourished with the support of nurturing parents and now hold senior positions in corporate spaces. Others, like Teena Naaz from rural Haryana, battled poverty, rejection, and societal prejudice at every step. Aryan Somaiya speaks of years of abuse and emotional violence in his family, recalling how he refused to even acknowledge his chest for over two decades, such was his clarity about his identity as a man. Then there's Madhuri Sarode Sharma, who holds the distinction of being the first transgender woman to marry her partner after a long courtship—an event still rare in India's social landscape. What makes 'In Transit' compelling is its ability to emotionally disarm the viewer. The storytelling is empathetic and rooted in the everyday—quiet moments, candid reflections, and occasional tears that feel honest rather than staged. The geographical spread also deserves credit; the series doesn't limit itself to metro cities but spans places like Faridabad, Tripura, and Jamshedpur, giving space to underrepresented voices. However, while the focus on personal experiences is powerful, the absence of voices from the protagonists' families, friends, or partners is jarring. Apart from a brief moment in Teena Naz's story, there's little attempt to show how their transitions affected or were supported by those closest to them. This missing layer might have added further richness and perspective. Despite this shortcoming, 'In Transit' is a moving and essential piece of work that deserves to be seen widely. Produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, it is both timely and courageous—a testament to the human spirit and the will to live authentically in a society that often punishes difference. Through stories that are alternately heartbreaking and uplifting, it captures the ongoing journey of self-discovery with nuance and compassion. More than just a documentary, it stands as a cultural marker—one that future generations might look back on as a reminder of how far we've come and how far we still need to go.