• ‘Kodi Gaha Yata’ actress Reena Silva on trans representation on screen

Conversations, even among locals, about diversity and representation on screen tend to be limited to Western productions, perhaps due to the belief that local film and television productions, especially in Sinhala and Tamil, still have a long way to go. LGBTQIA+ representation in local productions tends to be limited to comedic roles, where the character’s sexuality is a laughing point.

However, Jagath Manuwarna is attempting to change this, and his teledrama Kodi Gaha Yata, which features trans characters, has gained significant popularity in Sri Lanka and overseas.

One of the stars of this show is Reena Silva, a transgender actress who is quite a hot topic among fans of local TV at present. The Daily Morning had the opportunity of sitting down for a conversation with this charismatic personality to learn about the portrayal of trans characters on screen and her experience thus far in the film and TV industries.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Tell us about your journey thus far.

I first entered the beauty culture industry, and have been in this industry for 10-11 years. This field allowed me to make a lot of connections. I then started modelling, and have been engaged in this for 3-4 years. This further expanded my network. It was after this that I started acting; my debut performance being a minor role in a teledrama called Shadow. It was directed by Nalaka Vithanage. Then I got a role in Jagath Manuwarna’s Kodi Gaha Yata teledrama. This was made possible by Aloka Sampath.

What has been the response for your character?

The response has been extremely positive. Society today has a very different mindset and lives with a more positive mindset, compared to some time ago. I would say 99% of people have a mindset that has changed for the better. They talk to people with respect, they understand that others have a right to live freely, and they don’t violate others’ rights.

People understand that, in a film, an actress plays the role of a character, and I feel that fans don’t mix up a film’s character and an actor’s personal life. However, I can’t tell you what’s on anyone’s mind but looking at the comments, I have received positive feedback.

Has the portrayal of trans characters on screen changed over the years?

I feel like things have changed. In a lot of films and teledramas, trans characters were used for comedic effect. In the past, almost all characters were made fun of and were there for a laugh. This puts down the character of trans people. Now, when you look at a character like Kalu (played by Nalin Lusena) in Kodi Gaha Yata, I feel that it gives trans people the respect and rights they are entitled to. This is a significant milestone for the trans community, where we have been given an opportunity to talk about our rights.

What impact does TV or film have on society and their attitudes, especially when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community?

There is a huge impact. In other countries, communities like LBTQIA+ people have been normalised, but it’s not the same in Sri Lanka, where we have very few people who have fully transitioned like I have. This is compared to Thailand, for instance, which is way ahead of us. Looking at this, I have entered the industry as one of the first trans actresses. And in future, I plan on doing a lot of work for our community.

How important is it to telecast Sinhala-language shows like ‘Kodi Gaha Yata’, especially on a large platform?

On social media, I see that it’s not just Sri Lankans residing in the country but also those living abroad who are watching this show. The views on YouTube also reflect this. We receive a lot of love because the country and the world are seeing my character, who is named Shani, and we are reaching a lot of people across the globe through large platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

What was it like working with the cast and crew?

On the set of a movie or teledrama, there are many cast and crew, like people handling the cameras, lighting, tea-making, costumes, and support staff. I personally make it a point to have conversations with all of them, asking them how they are, what they are doing and what I can do for them. We must always be down to earth. It is what we put out to the universe that comes back to us.

If we are arrogant and mean, others will also treat us this way. On set, when you are friendly with everyone, it’s easy for us to do our job. And in turn, they also help us, by giving us more screen time or filming our best angles. But if you are arrogant, your screen time can be limited as the crew doesn’t have much regard for you. So I would say we should be friendly with everyone, and so far, I haven’t had any bad experiences while filming.

What kind of change do you want to see in TV and film going forward?

We have platforms like social media to share guidance or a message from film and TV productions with society. If we can change a mindset in a positive way through a production, there is great value attached to it.

Will we be seeing you on screen going forward?

Yes, I plan on continuing in this industry. I have received a lot of invitations. Villain, a movie I played a part in, will be released in future as well. I hope to consider projects and go forward in this industry.

You have been involved in modelling. Do you plan on continuing in this line as well?

Yes, I plan on continuing modelling as well, and there are a few shows we are currently practising for. Due to Covid-19, there was a drop in shows but in future, we will have shows coming up, which I hope to partake in.

What’s the pageant industry like in terms of LGBTQIA+ acceptance?

Looking at the pageant industry in Sri Lanka, there was no place given to the trans community. But trans persons too, are people and they too have a right to participate in such events. However, they didn’t get the opportunity initially.

In 2019, Dr. Nuwandika Siriwardena, who won the 2018 title, directed the Ms. British Empire pageant, which I took part in. There, despite not being able to win, I was awarded a special title after Dr. Siriwardena consulted with the organising committee, as I was almost at a tie with the other finalist.

My question is: if the entire world has accepted this, why can’t Sri Lanka?

Will we see this change in the near future?

Yes, I believe we will see significant change soon.

You have been doing a lot of publicity programmes and interviews. What are your thoughts on the attitudes of media personnel?

My personal experience has been that they are 100% good. They speak to us respectfully, and media personnel today have respect towards others. They have changed, I feel.

And what can you tell us about Beauty by Reena?

Beauty by Reena, my salon, is based in Mount Lavinia. It’s a home-based business and I don’t think we will expand significantly in future with multiple locations. The way things are, you can’t charge people a lot, and with expansion, my expenses would also increase, like rent and utilities. So I think I’ll be content doing it at this scale. I opened this two years ago, but I have been in the industry for over 10 years.

Do you think the trans community tends to get limited to certain fields when seeking employment?

It’s in the beauty industry that you see a lot of trans and LGBTQIA+ persons. However, I was recently watching a lawyer give a speech, during which they came out as gay. A person’s identity as LGBTQIA+ doesn’t affect their education level or intelligence. If an LGBTQIA+ person can become a lawyer, then they can exist in other spheres as well. There are people in these spheres who are yet to come out.

I don’t think anyone should be restricted to the beauty industry and can make it in any field, from engineering to medicine. I have visited various countries and have seen LGBTQIA+ persons in various industries across the globe, and I feel that they must be able to live in a way where their rights are protected.

Have your friendships and relationships changed when you came out versus now that you are gaining recognition?

It’s been seven years since I fully transitioned, and compared to back then, people now proudly say “Reena is my relative” or “Reena is my friend” and many want to be friends with me. I’m happy about this.

Is it bittersweet since those friendships may be based solely on your success?

There is a phrase “minissu wala yana paththata messa gahanne”, which loosely translates to “people set up a trestle where the vine goes”, and means that people go with whatever is beneficial to them.

However, anyone with a good heart will never measure someone by their sexual orientation. A person’s sexual orientation is something internal and we should never judge someone based on it. I have had a lot of friends, but now, I only have 2-3 friends because I am very selective about whom I befriend. We should never measure or judge someone based on sex.

In terms of medical services, how accessible are they to the trans community?

There are shortages and a lack of access when accessing medicines needed for hormone therapy when transitioning, and we have limited options. When a country develops, its healthcare sector must too, and I believe approval must be given for such medicines to be imported and distributed as it would help the LGBTQIA+ community significantly. We do lack sources for medicines, and activists like Bhoomi Harendran also talk about these issues, as she too understands that we are lacking when it comes to medicines.

When accessing healthcare services, is there a lot of discrimination?

The doctors are very open-minded and I must say we should be thankful for having such a mindset, not just among doctors but also attendants and other healthcare staff. They are extremely friendly and helpful. Doctors are educated about these issues and it is they who must educate others. In that sense, Sri Lanka is in a good place.

Any final message you want to share?

People have the right to dress as they like, go anywhere they please, and do what they like. I want to ask that people do not violate this right. What other people do is not your business. You must focus on yourself and your success.

There are a lot of LGBTQIA+ persons hiding in our society. I hope I am a role model for them in living freely and doing what we like. And so I have to tell them to not be sad. We may have received this body based on our sins and merits, but it is not something we have done or chosen intentionally. So if you have any questions or concerns, we are reachable on social media. You can talk to us. The media is there to share information and resources.

There are problems in life, but despite these problems, we need to face life with strength and courage.