Discrimination, stigmatised, misunderstood, abused, and many more. The transgender community in India has a lot to face despite the citizens being ‘woke’ and recognising the societal changes. In an exclusive interaction with OnlyMyHealth, this pride month we bring you untold stories about transgender people and the physical and mental health challenges they face.
The Supreme Court has recognised transgender people as a third gender in a landmark ruling. However, the issues they face extend far beyond mere recognition.
Rudrani Chhetri: Transgender Woman
Rudrani Chhetri is an inspiration for all transgender people and runs an organisation for their upliftment, Mitr Trust. It is the first LGBTQIA+ community-based organisation in Delhi which works with the vision of empowering this community.
She said that many people told her she is a man and there was no need to feel any different. But she always knew how she felt and that her body does not get to decide what she is.
Krishna Singh: Transgender Man
As a transgender man, Krishna Singh takes us through his uphill journey and how things shaped him. He said that his life was no less than a constant battle and wasn’t comfortable with his body. He felt like dying and questioned his existence.
Do you know, the suicide rate among transgender individuals in India is about 31%, and 50% of them have attempted suicide at least once before their 20th birthday, according to IIJNM web publication in 2012?
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What's The Shame?
Chhetri questioned the hypocrisy of society and said, “If at one point you see the transgenders as demigods and seek their blessings, then why is there so much shame in accepting us?”
She recalled an incident where a transgender person was humiliated and questioned for drinking water at a healthcare facility. She said, “Even doctors do not accept us. We aren’t granted access to healthcare. This is because they are not taught about transgender bodies and the need to treat them. Health insurance is a luxury for us.”
According to the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO), Whitepaper, 2023, evidence in India suggests that many transgender persons are deprived of basic human rights to life and face discrimination at levels including healthcare.
Importance Of Surgery
Singh talked about the importance of surgery for transgenders and how it helps them live a life of their choice. He said that they cannot accept themselves without surgery. He recalled how people criticised him and questioned the need for surgery. He said, “At least with the help of surgery, I get to die in a body of my choice.”
He added, “Before surgery when I was not on hormones, I used to get periods. Those three days were like a nightmare for me. I didn’t feel like doing anything or talking to anyone. I was always afraid and the fear of being harassed always resided in my mind”.
Chhetri said, “Even today if we want to go for the surgery, the cost is very high. We come from a lower socio-economic background and many don’t have the means of basic survival. Let alone the wish of undergoing surgery. People are not able to do what makes them happy and this leads to suicides. Many end up trusting the wrong people and losing money.”
According to the National Human Rights Commission Survey, 2017, 57% of transgenders have the desire to get a sex-realignment surgery but they cannot afford it.
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Life After Surgery
Singh said, “It feels incredible to finally be in a body that aligns with my true self. Through hormone replacement therapy, I witnessed changes in my body. The deepening of my voice and the growth of facial hair added to my identity as a man. Not to mention, the most relieving aspect was the end of experiencing periods.”
Sexual Abuse Of Transgender People
Chettri said, “Sexual abuse is very common among transgender individuals. Some transgender women turn to sex work as they have no other option for earning a livelihood. This is due to a lack of education and job opportunities. Many engage in unprotected sex for extra income.”
According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), 2018, 96% of transgender people are forced to take low-paying jobs or unidentified work as their livelihood.
Chettri added, “We want to live with our family but even they don’t accept us. They ask us to visit in the evening when fewer people are around.” According to the National Rights Commission Report, 2018, 99% have suffered social rejection on more than one occasion, including their family.
Mental Health Of Transgenders
Chhetri emphasises, “No one talks about our mental health. Many times, we hate ourselves for being dark-skinned or not conforming to societal expectations of beauty. Now, imagine being in a body that does not allow you to live the way you want. Many people in our community turn to drugs as a means of escaping from their traumatic experiences. The rates of addiction among transgender individuals are 'disproportionately higher' than in the general community.”
Singh said, “We are unhappy with our bodies, which is why surgery becomes a necessity. But unfortunately, many of us cannot afford it. This creates a void and unhappiness in our lives. Before my surgery, I even contemplated giving up on life.”
Message To All
Chhettri concluded, "Acceptance is the first step. You must acknowledge your own importance and love yourself before you can take care of others. It's pride month, and we need to take pride in who we are."
Singh said, “You need to learn to fight for yourself. Many people fear societal norms, but you need to step out on your own. If our families support and accept us for who we are, we don't need anything else. We cannot create a new world for ourselves, so it's important for others to understand and accept us.”