Upraisal of third sex

Transgender is defined as, strong and persistent cross gender identification with a sense of inappropriateness in gender role of one's biological sex. Though they have existed since time immemorial, the etiology for this transformation still remains an enigma.

To determine the average age of onset of sexual activity in homosexuals

To find out the reason/s for which they took up homosexuality

To give a possible explanation for transition of a homosexual into transgender

All transgenders who attended OPD at Institute of Venereology-Madras Medical College between May 20^th 2010 and August 20^th 2010 were enrolled in the study (except those aged over 40 years)

110 transgenders evaluated through a questionnaire revealed:

Average age of onset of sexual activity-10.8 years

Reasons for becoming homosexuals-sexual exploitation/experimentation

It is a well acknowledged fact that adolescent homosexuality is a normal developmental deviation, which, most children outgrow by late teens. But, a small percentage accepts this as normal and few others are exploited at a young age to become commercial sex workers. Left with no choice they take to trans-sexualism as a source of livelihood. Instead of recognizing this fact and rehabilitating them to normal sexual and social life, most agencies are working only towards their sexual health giving them a false sense of security. This in an unintentional way is providing leverage of encouragement for their booming population.