Social Exclusion of Transgender In The Civil Society: A Case Study Of The Status Of The Transgender In Kolkata

Traditional views of gender focus on two binaries of males and females. It is on this societal basis that the state policy and governance system are based on. However, with time, diversity has permeated in all walks of life. Now a number of races, religions, communities, and languages are more easily accepted and hence society is essentially pluralistic in nature. But it is in the area of sexual identities that development is still lacking. According to the Census of 2011, India, male population is around 623,724,248 and female population is around 586, 469, 174, whereas, the eunuch (here, the term ‘eunuch’ refers to only those people who wish to be treated as neither male nor female and embrace a lifestyle that is in conformity with their sexual divergence. This group does not include those intersex people who pretend to lead their lives as either males or females and embrace a normal lifestyle) residing in India is around 19 lakhs, as of March 1, 2011. The figures are approximate and according to surveys carried out by Salvation of Oppressed Eunuchs (SOOE), since eunuchs live in a secretive, shadowy world that they have created for themselves, away from the abuse and persecution of society. In spite of occupying a considerable population, the transgender living in India are excluded from the basic conditions necessary for a decent and dignified living. This discrimination conveys that goals of development couldn't be reached if a big section of the society stands alienated.