Hijra

Key Features

• Cultural Identity: The hijra community is not just defined by gender identity but also by a rich cultural and historical presence in South Asia. Hijras may identify as transgender women, but they may also be intersex or take on a variety of gender identities that do not conform to the binary.

• Traditional Roles: In South Asian culture, hijras have historically held specific roles, including performing blessings and rituals at weddings and childbirth. They are believed to bring fertility and good fortune, though these traditional roles have evolved over time. Hijras are often seen as a unique third gender, recognized in some countries' legal systems.

• Gender Fluidity: Hijras may not strictly identify as either male or female. They often embrace a gender fluid or non-binary identity, and their gender expression may vary from community to community and person to person.

• Sexual Identity: Hijras may engage in a variety of sexual practices and identities, but their sexual orientation is often less emphasized than their gender identity within their community. Many hijras live in close-knit communities or families, and their relationships with one another can be an important part of their social and cultural structure.

• Legal Recognition: In India, hijras were officially recognized as a "third gender" in 2014 by the Supreme Court, granting them the right to self-identify and access rights and protections. Similar legal recognition has been extended in Pakistan and Bangladesh, but hijras still face widespread social stigma, discrimination, and exclusion from mainstream society.

• Challenges and Discrimination: Despite their historical significance and cultural roles, hijras face significant challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. They often experience discrimination and violence, both from the broader society and within their own communities.

Context

The hijra community has become an important symbol of gender diversity in South Asia and around the world. In countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, hijras challenge the rigid gender norms and offer an alternative to the binary gender understanding. They represent a rich cultural tradition that advocates for the acceptance and understanding of gender diversity. However, ongoing struggles for social acceptance and legal equality highlight the need for greater inclusivity and respect for all gender identities.

Historical Context

• Ancient and Colonial History: The hijra community has ancient roots in South Asia, with references to them appearing in texts dating back to ancient Hindu scriptures. Hijras were traditionally involved in both religious and social ceremonies, such as performing blessings for marriages and childbirth. They were respected in these roles, particularly in the royal courts and elite circles. During British colonial rule, however, hijras, like many other non-conformist gender identities, were marginalized and often criminalized.

• Colonial Impact: Under British rule, the colonial government attempted to regulate and control hijras, particularly through laws such as the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, which stigmatized and criminalized their existence. This legal discrimination lasted into the post-colonial era, significantly affecting the status and rights of hijras in many South Asian countries.

• Modern-Day Recognition: In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of hijra visibility, with several South Asian governments formally recognizing hijras as a third gender. In India, for example, the 2014 Supreme Court ruling granted hijras legal recognition as a third gender, which allowed them to apply for government identification cards and access social services. However, hijras continue to face social and economic challenges, including discrimination and poverty.

Social and Cultural Context

Hijras often live in separate communities, which provide support, safety, and a sense of identity. These communities are typically hierarchical and governed by a strict social structure, with a guru (leader) who oversees the lives and behavior of community members. Although hijras may live on the margins of mainstream society, their communities are vital for their survival and provide a sense of belonging. Hijras may undergo gender-affirming surgeries, such as castration, although not all hijras do. Those who do may consider these surgeries an important part of their transition, which is often referred to as "becoming a hijra." For those who do not undergo surgery, gender expression can vary widely, and hijras may express themselves through a mix of traditionally feminine and masculine styles of dress and behavior.

In some parts of South Asia, hijras are considered to have spiritual power and are invited to bless newlyweds and newborns. Their blessings are thought to bring good fortune and fertility. This religious role has historically elevated the status of hijras within some communities, though this reverence can be contrasted with the discrimination they face in other parts of society.

Cultural Relevance

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Hijra as a Third Gender

The hijra community’s recognition as a third gender is one of the most culturally significant aspects of their identity. In India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the official recognition of hijras as a gender category by the government has been a significant step forward. This legal acknowledgment has allowed hijras to access some rights and opportunities, such as education, employment, and healthcare. However, societal attitudes toward hijras are often still steeped in prejudice, and discrimination remains rampant. In India, the 2014 Supreme Court ruling was a watershed moment in the legal recognition of hijras. The court acknowledged that hijras were entitled to be recognized as a distinct gender and recommended that they be included in government records, census data, and employment statistics. However, despite these legal advances, hijras continue to face violence, harassment, and exclusion in many areas of life.

Cultural Stigma and Marginalization

• Social Exclusion: Despite their historical and cultural significance, hijras often face significant marginalization. Social exclusion manifests in the form of discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare. Many hijras are forced into sex work as a means of survival, as mainstream employment opportunities are rarely available to them. This marginalization is exacerbated by negative stereotypes and lack of awareness.

• Violence and Discrimination: The hijra community is subject to both physical violence and institutional discrimination. They are often targets of violence, including physical and sexual assault, and are routinely excluded from healthcare services. Many hijras live in poverty, and their economic survival often depends on the charity of others or participation in sex work.

• Intersectionality: For hijras, the intersection of gender identity, class, and sometimes caste plays a crucial role in determining their experience of discrimination. Hijras who belong to lower castes or marginalized communities face compounded forms of social and economic disadvantage. Additionally, hijras from rural areas may experience greater isolation and fewer resources than their urban counterparts.

Global Relevance and Activism

The visibility of hijras has grown in the global context, particularly through the work of advocacy groups and NGOs. Efforts to raise awareness about the rights and needs of hijras have gained traction internationally. However, there is still a need for greater understanding of hijra identities outside of South Asia. In many parts of the world, hijras are often seen as a part of broader LGBTQIA+ movements, though their experiences can differ significantly from those of Western transgender or non-binary people. Within South Asia, there are growing movements led by hijras and other gender-nonconforming individuals to demand equal rights and recognition. Activists from the hijra community fight for better healthcare, employment opportunities, and social acceptance. These movements have led to increased awareness and progress in some areas, but challenges remain in achieving full social and legal equality.