Paper Details

Objectives: This paper focuses on transsexuals and transgenders, a community that has long been overlooked, neglected, and ostracised, in an attempt to raise empathy and draw the attention of the relevant authorities to their social standing. Method: An exploration of the marginalized communities led us to the transgender community which continues to suffer, while the condition of other marginalized sections has witnessed considerable emancipation. Most of the data represented in this paper are from secondary sources. Members of the community are not very forthcoming for fear of being recognized and being looked down upon. Hence primary source data that we collected through direct interviews, though present, is limited. Findings: The ideology of a nation based on “equality for each citizen” brought forth the question of whether every individual does enjoy equality, freedom, and the right to live on one’s own terms in every aspect of life. Transgenders in India have always held a dual position of fear of their curse and simultaneous invocation of reverence for their blessings. Yet the familial and public treatment of these individuals has compelled them to live in seclusion from the rest of society. Research shows that about 98% of transgender children are deserted by their parents at a tender age. Moreover, health and employment policies and programmes are so formulated that result in transgenders being treated as outcasts of the race they were born into. Besides, the apathetic/antipathetic and mocking attitude of the cisgender society can be very taxing for them, as found in our conversation with some members of the community. Novelty: Drawing focus towards the current condition of the said community, hoping the authorities will formulate more policies and programmes to uplift the community and social empathy towards the members, and bring in inclusiveness in society.

cinema, literature, marginalization, mythology, policies, transgender