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Negotiating Hijra Identity Analysis

1030 Words5 Pages

On April 15, 2014, India’s Supreme Court ruled for the official recognition of a “third gender,” representing individuals who identify as neither male nor female. Despite gaining recognition for this achievement, the hijra community has been subjected to interpretation by numerous media outlets, either being labelled as religious beings practicing asceticism, prostitutes dominating the sex industry, or even as “India’s 4,000 year old transgender community.” The multiple discrepancies within the community alludes to the fact that the position of sexuality and gender within the hijra community is complex by reason of ambiguity on their position regarding gender and sexual relationships.

Paradox: A situation or statement that seems impossible …show more content…

In spite of not choosing to identify as either male or female, it is evident that the inclination towards femininity may have an effect on the relevance of homosexuality within the sexual relations, as it was made clear that Hijras have a lack of desire to engage in sexual acts as a man, however nothing being said about engaging in sexual acts as a hijra.

In Negotiating Hijra Identity in South India, Aliya, who identifies themselves as a hijra, claims that “all hijras desire men,” while bringing attention to the fact that “otherwise, why would they become hijras?”

Morris Oppler (1960), acknowledged that several hijras adopt mannerisms almost burlesque to the extent of recognizing the performer aspect of the role. That being said, Sinha (1967), acknowledged their performing role but treated them mainly as homosexuals who “join the community specifically to satisfy their sexual desires.”

Without labels, individuals within the hijra community may partake in sexual relationships, or even long term monogamous …show more content…

In relation to the topic of labels, it is imperative to discuss the term “transgender” and the manner in which it is often used while talking about the hijra community. Often painted by the media outlets as “4,000 transgender community,” it further complicates the the ideals and roles portrayed by the hijra community. The term transgender is used to describe an individual whose sense of personality identity and gender does not correspond with their birth

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