Hindus have a long and supporting history of supporting transgender people

[stephaniec]

Hindus have a long and supporting history of supporting transgender people

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/01/23/hindus-have-a-long-and-surprising-history-of-supporting-transgender-people-says-expert-on-thought-of-the-day/

Pink News/by Jasmine Andersson   01/23/2018

[fleurgirl]

Yes, they do! This acceptance also extends to intersex people, and these individuals are known as "Hijra". Unfortunately, (from what I've heard) with modern tides sweeping in and the toxic overgrowth of hyper masculinity, Hijra are slowly beginning to be rejected by society and ultimately looked down upon.

[Janes Groove]

Article fails to mention that being gay is against the law in India and can be punished with life imprisonment.  I've also read that Hijra are not viewed as women but as 3rd gender.  And they are mostly relegated to begging and prostitution and the occasional casting of a spell or two for which they are paid a few pennies.

[Cassi]

Article fails to mention that being gay is against the law in India and can be punished with life imprisonment.  I've also read that Hijra are not viewed as women but as 3rd gender.  And they are mostly relegated to begging and prostitution and the occasional casting of a spell or two for which they are paid a few pennies.

Totally agree with Jane.  Actually had done some googling on it a couple of months back.  There are a number of videos regarding them.

[Janes Groove]

This is a great movie if you haven't seen it.  Don't get me wrong. I actually am into the idea of a community of transgender women banding together for mutual support and on a karmic level I can see how living as one's true self is better than the alternative of the closet.  And I am very moved by the history and culture of the Hijra.  But I don't have rose-colored glasses.