Ella D’ Verma: India’s Transgender Trailblazer

Ella D’ Verma, born as Dev Verma on August 25, 1998, in Delhi, India, is a name that resonates with courage, resilience, and transformation. As a transgender model and digital content creator, Ella has not only made her mark in the fashion industry but has also emerged as a powerful advocate for transgender rights and visibility. Her journey from facing adversity to becoming a celebrated influencer is a testament to her strength and determination.

Early Life and Challenges

Growing up in a middle-class family in Delhi, Ella faced significant challenges due to her gender identity. From a young age, she identified as female, despite being perceived as male. This led to relentless bullying at school, where peers and even teachers mocked her for her feminine interests, such as singing, dancing, and theater. In an interview with Josh Talks Hindi, Ella recounted a traumatic incident where a classmate pulled her pants during a theater practice, deeply impacting her confidence.

Her family, consisting of her parents Vicky and Varsha Verma, initially struggled to accept her identity. They sought medical advice and even considered sending her abroad for treatment. However, their perspective shifted over time, and they became her biggest supporters, particularly during her transition. This family support was crucial in helping Ella navigate her journey.

Struggles and Transition

Ella’s path to self-acceptance was fraught with emotional and societal challenges. She battled internalized transphobia and misogyny, which led to self-doubt and low self-esteem. “I had to deal with self-hate and low self-esteem, which often led me into exploitative situations,” she shared in an interview with Times of India. The 2020 lockdown marked a turning point. Confined at home, Ella began exploring her identity more deeply and started her transition in 2018, a process that was both liberating and challenging.

Social media became her outlet for self-expression. By sharing her journey on platforms like Instagram, where she now has over 311,000 followers (Ella D’ Verma Instagram), Ella connected with others facing similar struggles. This community support helped her gain confidence and inspired her to pursue her dreams.

Career and Rise to Fame

Ella’s authenticity and openness on social media paved the way for her career in modeling. In 2023, she participated in the Miss Trans Queen of India competition and won the title of first runner-up, a milestone that brought her widespread recognition. Her victory was not just personal but also a significant moment for transgender visibility in India.

Further solidifying her place in the fashion industry, Ella became the Trans Face Model for Zivame, a leading lingerie brand in India. This role challenged traditional beauty standards and highlighted the importance of inclusivity in mainstream advertising. Her achievements have made her a role model for aspiring transgender models and influencers.

Advocacy and Influence

Ella D’ Verma is more than a model; she is a passionate advocate for transgender rights. Through her social media platforms and interviews, she shares her experiences, regrets, and realizations to educate others and foster acceptance. “I want to be seen as a model first and transgender second,” she emphasized in her Times of India interview. Her work with brands like Zivame promotes diversity and challenges societal norms.

Ella also mentors young transgender individuals, offering guidance and support. “If I can help even one person feel less alone in their journey, then I’ve done my job,” she says. Her advocacy extends to creating conversations about transgender visibility, aiming to normalize their presence in media and fashion.

Current Status and Future Aspirations

Today, Ella D’ Verma continues to thrive as a model and content creator, using her platform to promote transgender rights and visibility. She aspires to expand her career into acting, seeking roles that portrays transgender characters with depth and authenticity. Additionally, she dreams of starting a foundation to support transgender youth, providing resources and encouragement she wished she had during her early years.

Ella’s personal aspirations include getting married and starting a family, reflecting her belief in love and acceptance. Her journey from a bullied child to a celebrated influencer is a powerful narrative of resilience and self-acceptance. By sharing her story, Ella D’ Verma inspires others to embrace their true selves and advocates for a more inclusive society.

Category	Details
Real Name	Dev Verma
Known Name	Ella D’ Verma
Profession	Transgender Model, Digital Content Creator
Age	26 (born August 25, 1998)
Birthplace	Delhi, India
Notable Work	First Runner-Up, Miss Trans Queen of India 2023; Trans Face Model for Zivame
Instagram Followers	311K (Ella D’ Verma Instagram)
Advocacy Focus	Transgender visibility and rights

In conclusion, Ella D’ Verma’s journey is a beacon of hope for the transgender community in India. Her story of overcoming bullying, embracing her identity, and achieving success in the fashion industry highlights the power of resilience and authenticity. Through her advocacy, Ella continues to break barriers, inspiring countless others to live their truth and fostering a more inclusive world.