Anaya Bangar to undergo gender-affirming surgery in March, father Sanjay Bangar to bear expenses

Cricketer and trans-rights advocate Anaya Bangar is entering a defining phase of her transition, this time with her family firmly by her side. What once felt like a lonely fight has now turned into a shared journey, with emotional and financial support coming from both parents and her younger brother Atharva, who has always stood by her.

Speaking to Bombay Times, Anaya opened up about the years that led to this moment. The waiting. The work. And the quiet relief of finally moving forward, knowing she is supported at home as she prepares for a major milestone in her transition.

Anaya Bangar to undergo gender-affirming surgery

“I will be undergoing gender-affirming surgery (vaginoplasty) in March,” Anaya shared. She said fashion designer Saisha Shinde and actress Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, who have both undergone the procedure, guided her through the process. The surgery will take place at a clinic in Thailand, where she will need to stay for at least a month. “I won’t be able to play cricket for at least six months, but I’m glad this is finally happening.”

Anaya Bangar on waiting five years for this moment

The timing, she explained, was deeply personal. “I’ve waited for this moment for five years. This is who I am. I never felt aligned with the gender I was born with.” Financial stability and family support finally made it possible for her to take this step.

Anaya Bangar on therapy, medical checks and readiness

The decision came after long and careful preparation. “The decision to undergo the gender-affirming surgery came after years of therapy, medical evaluations and deep self-reflection. I went through extensive psychological and medical assessments to ensure I’m ready.” She added, “This surgery isn’t about proving anything to society. It’s about finally feeling at home in my body.”

Anaya Bangar on how Rise and Fall changed things

The 25-year-old said her appearance on the reality show Rise and Fall last year marked a turning point. “I received immense support from people and was in a better place financially, too.” She recalled how that shift helped her parents understand her better. “My father saw people taking pictures with me, standing by me and respecting me. Both my parents realised this wasn’t a phase.”

Anaya Bangar on family support and breaking stigma

That realisation changed everything at home. “This is who I am,” Anaya reiterated. She said her father is now bearing the complete cost of her surgery. “At one point, I was completely on my own in the UK, and there is still a lot of stigma around LGBTQ+ people within families. I hope that by speaking out and by my family supporting me, it will help other trans women.”

Anaya Bangar addresses inclusivity and fairness in sport

Anaya also spoke about the criticism around her advocacy. “No one goes this far just for publicity. When I spoke about inclusivity in cricket, it wasn’t to gain attention.” She added, “I don’t want to invade women’s cricket, if that’s what people think. Sport has always been about fairness. My stand is simply that fairness should be evidence-based, not fear-based.”

Anaya Bangar on what comes next

For now, her focus is on recovery and living fully. “Right now, my focus is on healing and living fully. Everything else will follow.” She hopes her journey opens doors for others. “If not me, at least someone from the next generation will benefit. That’s the aim.”

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