Down the ages, our society has condemned and alienated people who do not conform to its norms. Transgender persons are one such group of people who have been marginalized, abused, disdained and callously neglected community in almost every known society. The term ―transgender is generally used to describe those who transgress social gender norms.
Transgender is often used as an umbrella term to signify individuals who defy rigid, binary gender constructions and who expresses or present a breaking and blurring of culturally prevalent stereotypically gender roles. It includes pre-operative, post-operative and non- operative transsexual people who strongly identify with gender opposite to their biological sex. Transgender are known locally ‘laanch’ in Kashmir. They face discrimination in every aspect of life be it employment, legal recognition, access to social resources including decent life standard and education.
As in other parts of the country, the third gender in Kashmir exists, but their existence is hardly recognized by the society and they are pushed to the boundaries. Though the J&K government has set up a committee to monitor and examine the formulation of various welfare policies on transgenders, a lot needs to be done. This study intended to expose sufferings, discrimination and marginalization of transgender; these persons are usually rejected from their families and other social organizations and face varied forms of social exclusion. The article is mostly based on secondary sources, as well as on observations.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical Perspective of Transgender
3. Present Scenario of Transgenders: An Over View (Indian Context)
4. Review of Literature
5. Methodology
6. Issues and Challenges of Transgenders
7. Transgender in Kashmir
8. Conclusion and Suggestions
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper examines the pervasive marginalization, social exclusion, and stigmatization faced by the transgender community, with a specific focus on the sociocultural landscape of India and the Kashmir region. The study aims to highlight the systemic barriers to basic human rights, employment, education, and legal recognition, while identifying urgent policy interventions required for their social and economic empowerment.
- Socio-legal status and discrimination of transgender individuals
- Health disparities and access to social welfare services
- The specific struggles of the transgender community in Kashmir
- Impact of social exclusion on mental health and economic stability
- Evaluation of current government welfare policies and institutional gaps
Excerpt from the Book
Issues and Challenges of Transgenders
Transgenders are marginalized and stigmatized community all over the world. They claim that mainstream society does not understand their culture, gender, and sexuality. Violations of their human and sexual rights have been overlooked in the traditional dogma. And unchecked negative attitudes toward transgender persons may result in transphobia as well as discriminatory treatment of transgender individuals. In our country there is a bias against transgenders and a fair amount of ignorance. The common man in India is exposed more to transgenders. There is a lot of prejudice against transgenders in our society and they face a huge amount of discrimination and are often forced to beg. These people have been part of the broader culture and treated with great respect, at least in the past, although an estimated 10 lakhs population in India has been more often socially ostracized. The Issues, faced by Transgenders are discrimination, lack of educational facilities, unemployment, lack of shelter, lack of medical facilities like HIV care and hygiene, depression, hormone pill abuse, tobacco and alcohol abuse and problems relating to marriage, property, electoral rights, adoption.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Defines transgender identity within social frameworks and highlights the systemic prejudice and human rights violations encountered from family units to the broader society.
Historical Perspective of Transgender: Traces the historical presence of transgender individuals across cultures, noting their transition from positions of traditional importance to modern-day social marginalization.
Present Scenario of Transgenders: An Over View (Indian Context): Analyzes demographic data, literacy levels, and employment statistics of the transgender population in India while discussing the legal shift toward recognizing the "Third Gender."
Review of Literature: Surveys existing sociological and academic research concerning the discrimination, mental health crises, and socioeconomic exclusion faced by the Hijra and transgender communities.
Methodology: Outlines the research approach, which relies on secondary data sources and systematic observations to assess the problems, causes of exclusion, and welfare recommendations.
Issues and Challenges of Transgenders: Categorizes the multifaceted struggles of the community, including social, economic, political, and healthcare-related barriers.
Transgender in Kashmir: Focuses on the specific sociocultural challenges and lack of social progress regarding tolerance and rights for transgender individuals within the Kashmir region.
Conclusion and Suggestions: Summarizes the need for comprehensive policy reform and provides actionable recommendations for government and social institutions to ensure inclusive growth.
Keywords
Gender Identity, Marginalized, Social Exclusion, Abuse, Alienation, Transgender, Hijra, Human Rights, Discrimination, Stigma, Mental Health, Socioeconomic Status, Third Gender, Kashmir, Welfare Policies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the systemic marginalization, stigmatization, and social exclusion of the transgender community, particularly within the sociocultural context of India and Kashmir.
What are the central thematic areas covered in the text?
The work covers themes such as historical perspectives on gender variance, the socioeconomic status of the transgender population, legal challenges, healthcare access, and the psychological impact of discrimination.
What is the primary objective of the study?
The study aims to assess the specific problems faced by transgender persons, identify the root causes of their social exclusion, and propose practical policy suggestions for their welfare and inclusion.
Which scientific methodology does the author utilize?
The research is primarily based on secondary sources, including academic journals, census reports, books, and existing sociological studies, complemented by qualitative observations.
What does the main body of the paper address?
The main body investigates the various forms of discrimination—economic, political, legal, and social—and examines the specific challenges faced by transgender individuals in the region of Kashmir.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Gender Identity, Social Exclusion, Marginalized, Stigma, Human Rights, and Third Gender.
How are transgender people viewed within the context of Kashmiri society?
Locally referred to as 'laanch', they face significant social stigma and discrimination, often being pushed to the margins of society and receiving little recognition in public discourse.
What role does family support play in the challenges faced by transgender youth?
The lack of family acceptance is a critical factor; many transgender youth suffer from severe mental trauma or are forced to leave home, which contributes to their later economic vulnerability and social exclusion.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Mansoor Ahmad (Autor:in), 2018, Transgender. A Marginalized and Stigmatized Community, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/435323
