Glimpses of hidden lives
KALA KRISHNAN RAMESH
A much needed introduction to hijras' lives and their community.
http://www.hindu.com/lr/2010/09/05/stories/2010090550140400.htmA.Revathi's The Truth About Me is an autobiography that needed to be written and deserves to be read, not only because speech is a crucial element in the texturing of queer spaces, but also because Revathi herself believes that telling her story – which is also the story of her community – can bring changes in perception regarding the identity and rights of hijras. And for the general reader, there is much in these three- hundred-odd pages to be absorbed by; at a basic universal level, The Truth About Me gives readers – like the woman who appears in these pages – glimpses into the otherwise hidden lives of hijras, so that it becomes possible to have reactions to them beyond the customary fear-hatred-scorn. Revathi herself hopes in the Preface: " ...that by publishing my life story, larger changes can be achieved. I hope this book of mine will make people see that hijras are capable of more than just begging and sex work."
