Sexuality is an issue that has created social divides for many years. India has approximately 700,000 transgender. That used to live with no dignity and no recognition of their existence.
The recent bill which describes The Transgender person [protection of rights] Act 2019 prohibits discrimination against a transgender person including denial of service or unfair treatment in relation to:
- Education
- Employment
- Healthcare
- Access to the enjoyment of good, facilities opportunities available to the public
- Right to movement etc.
Who are Transgender persons?
The bill defines a transgender person as one whose gender does not match the gender assigned at birth. It includes trans-men trans-women, persons with intersex variations, genderqueers, and persons with socio-cultural identities, such as kinnar and hijra.
The Transgender person [Protection of Rights] Act, 2019
The bill was passed on 26 November and had gone through many amendments since the 2016 and 2018 bills.
- From the recommendation from the 2016 standing committee to have a screening committee was rejected
- Beggary is no longer a criminal offence.
- The bill allows the self-perception of gender identity.
All these amendments did make a major difference in today’s scenario on how our constitution looks upon the ‘Third Gender’. The constitution started to recognize the third gender, it also provided it with basic rights to lead a quality life.
But, laying down rights and making them come in action are two different things. This is what is happening today. There are many drawbacks that come with this act which makes them feel that they are different from the rest. For eg. A trans can not marry they can not adopt a child. If a woman faces violence the punishment for the offender is 7 years and if the transgender people face any kind of violence the punishment for the offender is 2 years. Is this not discrimination?
Still, transgender people are not welcomed with open arms, they still have to face issues on grounds of their identity. May it be a public place or there home. The rate of violence on Transgender people is rapidly increasing due to the non- acceptance of this category by family members. Still, they are not welcomed to be part of society like everyone.
Conclusion
Questions are raised! An eye is always there to stare which makes them feel uncomfortable! Why? Are they not humans? Or does society has a habit of making the other gender uncomfortable? Can we all as a society not accept a gender that is a little different from us?
All these problems come with a solution, we just need to find it. Awareness should be spread for eg. We can explain the problems which they have to go through a street play. Explaining why is the necessity to be more helpful and acceptable towards them.
The government is definitely making progress towards their needs of security and acceptance. But a little push is still needed to make them stand equal like other genders are.