Harassed by eunuchs? Help is just a call away

[Shana A]

Harassed by eunuchs? Help is just a call away
Gulam Jeelani, Hindustan Times
Lucknow, November 22, 2012

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Lucknow/Harassed-by-eunuchs-Help-is-just-a-call-away/Article1-962679.aspx

Help is at hand, if you are facing any kind of trouble from eunuchs. Now, a group of senior citizens has stepped in to protect people from harassment by the transgender community, particularly during celebrations.   The group, mostly comprising ex-servicemen, has come up with a 24X7 helpline that would deal with the menace. They are of the opinion that the eunuchs, who make a living by dancing and singing outside households hosting wedding or birthday ceremonies, have become a 'nuisance' for citizens.

[...]

As the trend goes, transgenders are frequently spotted at celebration venues. These groups, which may even comprise cross genders, do not leave before they are given money. There are occasions when they demand hefty amounts from the hosts.

"We have already started generating awareness among people by personal interaction and distributing pamphlets. It was only after we reached out to a large number of people that we realised that something should be done to solve the problem," added Papnai.

[dalebert]

I watched a documentary that covered this phenomenon in depth. Sadly, there really does appear to be a sub-culture of trans women who crash weddings and other high profile events to "bless" them and they seem really obnoxious. The term "eunuch" is not used the same there as here. It's what they call trans women there. A eunuch there is not necessarily castrated although many are. Due to poverty, many don't have access to more advanced surgeries and some get castrated or nullified. The documentary claimed there seems to be little to no visibility of a gay man there but there are a lot of "eunuchs". It may be more socially acceptable to be a trans woman than to be a gay man.

These wedding crashers seem to have their roots in superstitions that "eunuchs" had special powers. They could bless your union if you paid for it or curse it if you refused. It seems people are far less superstitious these days but the tradition continues only the superstitious fear has been largely replaced by sheer intimidation by large groups of these women.

It's hard for these women to support themselves due to discrimination so it seems they're driven by desperation. If people want it to stop so badly, they should really try to expand the alternatives for these women.