India's 'third sex' struggles to emerge from the shadows
Link7/8/2008
"New Delhi India's third gender, the Hijras, represent a paradox of
Indian society: though an integral part of Hindu culture since ancient
times, they lead obscure lives, relegated from the mainstream by
discrimination and a lack of livelihood options. Hijras, or eunuch
transgenders, are those born with ambiguous genitalia or gays who
undergo castration, with the emasculation ceremony associated with
religious rites. There is also a third category of men who retain
their genitals and join the community."
