In April 2014, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment awarded transgenders the identity of being the “third gender” distinct from male or female.

It directed the central and state governments “to take steps to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens”.

The verdict also directs the governments to “extend all kinds of reservation in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments”.

A year on, the best that has happened, is the passage last month of a private member bill in the Rajya Sabha on transgender rights.

As of now, the transgenders’ merger with mainstream society is faced with many hurdles, not the least being that of social acceptance or awareness.

According to research by Aheer, nearly 70 to 80 per cent of transgenders are involved in begging and sex work.

Even after the verdict, there are no opportunities in government jobs. And with poor educational standards, those from the community are unable to avail any opportunities.

Ultimately every transgender is seeking respect and acceptance. With growing aspirations young transgenders want to have the choice of a better life, like every man or woman in India.

Reporting by: Poulomi Banerjee
Video by: Sidrah Fatma Ahmed

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