Who?
A person is said to be a transgender if the gender they identify with, is different from one at birth.
What?
Hijra (aravani) is a term used in India to refer trans women.
Hijras have a rich history in
. In Mahabharata Arjuna lived as a hijra for a year.
Lord Rama of Ayodhya, gave transgenders, the ability to offer blessings in return for shelter during exile.
They used to serve as singers, dancers, maids and spiritual gurus.
When?
British colonial laws criminalized Hijras under CTA 1871, and 377 IPC, forcing them to secret groups with secret languages.
Though, a very old community, they are ridiculed and feared because of superstitions (alter fate). India has about 4,90000 (according to census 2011) transgender people.
How?
All are discriminated, abused, denied basic rights, even thrown out of families. Many take up begging and prostitution, as reasonable jobs are only for given either males or females.
The word ‘rape’ in Section 375 IPC does not even include transgenders.
Only in 2014, Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan ordered that they be recognized as the "Third Gender", much later than our neighbors Pakistan and Bangladesh.
And so
People like Kalki Subramaniam (first transgender entrepreneur) , Padmini Prakash (first transgender news anchor). Are an inspiration to many, as they broke out of stereotype.
In 2011, Hon'ble Justice Sathasivam said that the constitution promises equal rights to all, but has failed to deliver it for hijras.
The transgender community needs the support of other two sexes to break out of stigma and lead a normal life.
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