A woman who became India’s first transgender judge in July says she continues to fight for justice and respect.

Joyita Mondal was appointed as a Lok Adalat judge in north Bengal three months ago in a historic appointment that she hopes will pave the way for other people.

The 29-year-old was once made homeless and forced to turn to begging because of the discrimination she faced, reports the Metro.

But after working for transgender rights organisations she says she was inspired to complete a law degree – to be able to fight for anyone facing social discrimination.

‘I am really happy as now I get the respect from society that I was looking for,’ Joyita told Hindustan Times.

‘In the past, people almost treated me as an untouchable and even passed abusive comments,’ she said. ‘But now people even come to me often requesting me to mediate in family disputes.’

Joyita continues to fight against widespread social bias and discrimination against transgender people in education and employment across India. In 2014, India’s Supreme Court recognised transgender people as a third gender, in a landmark ruling.

It ordered the government to provide transgender people with quotas in jobs and education in line with other minorities. But, for Joyita, the battle is far from over.

‘Sometimes I can feel negative vibes from those whose cases I adjudicate,’ she said.

‘From a strange gaze or body language. However, I must add that none of them have insulted me. At times, a few are just surprised to see a transgender peron on the chair of judges. ‘More time is required for society to change and we have to give it time.’