The Hijras In The 21st Century

In western culture, sex and gender are primarily described by two distinct dominations, which are male and female. These sexes are practical, their arguments are based on popular rights, and many of their identities are determined biologically. This fact seems to stay constant across cultures, but on the other side of the world, there is a prominent third gender known as the “hijra”. They are specifically located in India. Hijras have shown through history that they do not share a full positive light, however, they have grown prominently and they are striving to fight for their fundamental rights and stability in the 21st Century. The roots of the Hijras of India dated back 4,000 years ago. Hindu hijras trace back their origins through ancient epics and with the religious era of deity Ram. Since the hijras are neither men nor women, Ram blessed them and promised them to rule at later ages of mankind. In addition, religion is also a big aspect of Indian culture, which most of the hijras base their beliefs on a polytheistic religion. The hijras center their culture of worship to Bachurama Mata, one of the Mother Goddess that exist and predominate in India. According to the research from Adnan Hossain in his article “Beyond Emasculation: Being Muslim and Becoming

They have not gained a lot of respect and they have to fight for their rights. In addition, Indian law does not recognize hijras as a third gender. This event excluded them from all socially accepted means of work, right to vote, the right to claim an identity, and any other human right possible. As a result,they do not have other option than finding a way to do sex work. The police harass them by forcing to have sex or demanding money from them. Also, hijras are robbed and sexually assaulted on the street by different gangs and people that want to mock and harm