Recognized as the third gender in Indian society, Hijras—often an umbrella term for transgender and intersex individuals—have a longstanding presence and importance in cultural and religious rituals but continue to struggle with exclusion from mainstream society.
 |
| Source - QueerAF |
This paradox stems from a complicated mix of colonialism, legal recognition, and gender politics, all of which continue to hinder their struggle for equality.
The Influential Role of Hijra Community in the Society
Hijras are not a recent phenomenon in India. They have existed for centuries, with references found in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Kama Sutra. Historically, Hijras held influential roles in society.
They were considered sacred and invited to bless weddings and childbirth ceremonies, believed to bring prosperity and fertility. In some royal courts, they even held positions of power, depicting the fluidity of gender.
However, the colonial era by Britain in the 19th century saw many transformations. The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 categorized Hijras and other communities as "criminal”, enforcing their exclusion although the community had been integrated into Indian society.
This legacy still affects the Hijra community today, as the social and legal stigmas from that period persist.
Legal Recognition and Rights of the Community in India as per the Supreme Court
The 21st century has seen important steps taken towards recognizing the rights of Hijras. In 2014, the Indian Supreme Court issued a landmark verdict in NALSA v. Union of India, recognizing transgender people as a third gender.
This decision granted Hijras access to legal protections, such as affirmative action in education and employment, and social welfare benefits and accepted their right to self-identity.
The 2019 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act further aimed to protect the rights of Hijras by prohibiting discrimination in education, healthcare, and employment.
Despite these legal advancements, the community still faces challenges. While they have been granted legal recognition as a third gender, their societal inclusion remains limited.
Traditional norms dominate, leaving Hijras in a precarious position where, despite their legal recognition, they are often ostracized from mainstream society.
Social Marginalization and Stigma
Despite their historical and religious significance, Hijras often face exclusion, discrimination, and violence. Many Hijras are forced to live on the fringes of society, often engaging in begging or sex work for income.
The lack of access to education and employment opportunities leaves them with very few alternatives leading to cycles of poverty.
The social stigma surrounding Hijras is a result of rigid gender norms that persist in India. Hijras, who do not fit into the binary categories of male or female, challenge conventional notions of gender and sexuality.
As a result, they are marginalized, and their identities are often misunderstood. While they may be invited to bless weddings or births in certain regions, this role is tied to their position as "other" rather than as full members of society.
This paradox—the simultaneous visibility in cultural rituals and invisibility in other societal sectors—further establishes their exclusion.
Hijras often form close-knit communities for mutual support. These communities have a hierarchical structure, with senior Hijras mentoring younger members. However, these communities, too, are not free from exploitation.
Many Hijras, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are vulnerable to abuse within their communities.
Cultural and Religious Significance
While Hijras face exclusion in society, they also hold a unique cultural and religious place in India. Their association with deities such as Bahuchara Mata, the goddess of fertility gives them a special role in Hindu religious practices.
Hijras are believed to possess spiritual powers, and their blessings at weddings and births are considered auspicious.
Their role in rituals showcases the dual nature of their societal standing: they are revered in certain cultural contexts, yet excluded from others. This duality reflects broader societal contradictions surrounding gender.
On the one hand, Hijras are essential to specific religious and cultural practices, and on the other, they remain relegated to roles that reinforce their outsider status.
Visibility vs Exclusion
The Hijra community’s paradoxical position can be understood through visibility versus exclusion. On one hand, Hijras are highly visible in certain public spaces, particularly in rituals and performances.
Their presence at weddings and childbirths is symbolic of fertility, blessings, and social continuity. Bollywood films, which often depict Hijras as characters, also contribute to their visibility.
However, this visibility often reinforces their status as outsiders. Hijras are rarely seen in mainstream spaces such as politics, the arts, or academia.
This dichotomy—their presence in ritualistic and cultural practices, but exclusion from broader societal participation—illustrates the paradox that defines their lives. They are simultaneously visible and invisible, revered and excluded.
Final Words
Hijras often form close-knit communities for mutual support. These communities have a hierarchical structure, with senior Hijras mentoring younger members. However, these communities, too, are not free from exploitation.
Many Hijras, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are vulnerable to abuse within their communities.
Cultural and Religious Significance
While Hijras face exclusion in society, they also hold a unique cultural and religious place in India. Their association with deities such as Bahuchara Mata, the goddess of fertility gives them a special role in Hindu religious practices.
Hijras are believed to possess spiritual powers, and their blessings at weddings and births are considered auspicious.
Their role in rituals showcases the dual nature of their societal standing: they are revered in certain cultural contexts, yet excluded from others. This duality reflects broader societal contradictions surrounding gender.
On the one hand, Hijras are essential to specific religious and cultural practices, and on the other, they remain relegated to roles that reinforce their outsider status.
Visibility vs Exclusion
The Hijra community’s paradoxical position can be understood through visibility versus exclusion. On one hand, Hijras are highly visible in certain public spaces, particularly in rituals and performances.
Their presence at weddings and childbirths is symbolic of fertility, blessings, and social continuity. Bollywood films, which often depict Hijras as characters, also contribute to their visibility.
However, this visibility often reinforces their status as outsiders. Hijras are rarely seen in mainstream spaces such as politics, the arts, or academia.
This dichotomy—their presence in ritualistic and cultural practices, but exclusion from broader societal participation—illustrates the paradox that defines their lives. They are simultaneously visible and invisible, revered and excluded.
Final Words
While legal recognition has brought some relief to the Hijra community, discrimination based on gender identity continues to limit their opportunities for education, employment, and healthcare.
Battling these disparities requires more than just legal changes; it calls for a cultural shift in how gender and identity are understood. Public awareness campaigns and education programs are crucial in dismantling the stigma surrounding the Hijra community.
The journey of the Hijra community is a reminder that true equality cannot be achieved through legal recognition alone.
Written By Ananya Singh
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - ananyasingh.2239@gmail.com
Battling these disparities requires more than just legal changes; it calls for a cultural shift in how gender and identity are understood. Public awareness campaigns and education programs are crucial in dismantling the stigma surrounding the Hijra community.
The journey of the Hijra community is a reminder that true equality cannot be achieved through legal recognition alone.
Written By Ananya Singh
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - ananyasingh.2239@gmail.com
.jpeg)
0 Comments