Hi, I am a transgendered person in India (Mumbai/Bombay) , life can be hell.  (note: Bombay/Mumbai is one of the most liberal cities in India... not liberal by western standards but liberal in comparison to the rest of India)

There is a general lack of knowledge or health care for transsexuals/transgendered persons. Even my family doctor who knows me since I was a kid freaked when I approached him for advice on the matter as I was determined to do something about it... after that he just started avoiding me .. scheduling my appointments late and then leaving early or pretending not to be in when I come for any treatment....

The police treat transgendered/transsexual persons as either sex workers or a nuisance...  this is mostly due to the Indian traditions related to Hijras.
the doctors at public hospitals need to be careful as the law outlawed for helping gay/lesbian/bisexual till 2009 (you could be arrested and jailed for being gay/lesbian/bisexual or helping someone who is LGBT)  and the law is still unclear on transsexuals/transgendered persons and their legal status.

As of now transgendered/ transsexual persons have no legal rights or protection or access to their constitutional rights (some democracy.....  ) and the traditions of Hijras does not help... as by Indian/Hijra tradition they are a member of a 3rd gender.. however as a transgendered person when I do eventually opt for SRS I want to be recognized as a woman...

In short if you are a transgendered/transexual person thinking of visiting my country. DONT!!! if u do still want to experiece India (amazing food, sights, etc..  Its a beautiful country if you are not LGBT.. or till recently just not transsexual/transgendered as public opinion is slowly accepting the LGB community) make sure you are carry sufficient legal documents stating your desired gender as your own (eg: if you are a MTF transsexual, your passport, visa, etc must state you are a woman)

You are really courageous to take steps towards your transition while living there.

I grew up in a similar environment in a country (which I will not name for the sake of privacy and safety) where trans individuals could be brutalized with no legal consequences. During childhood, around age 5, I observed absolute ostracism and horrible police brutality towards trans people. The laws did not recognize them as human beings and they had no legal recourse, no access to residential areas, no access to education and no access to employment. They were seen as criminals by their very existence. Some people there were proud that they had physically hurt trans individuals, like a hunter would be after a big kill.

I had realized by age 3 or 4 that there was something wrong gender-wise, with the world or with me, but I was too young to articulate my feelings. When I became old enough to articulate my feelings, I had already observed atrocities towards trans people. After my observations in that country, I learned to hold all my feelings inside and never talk about it with anyone. I knew that getting out of that country was my only way out and great education was my vehicle out. I focused on academics which also served as a distraction from the gender incongruence I felt. It took me 6 years of living in the US in a very liberal area to overcome my fears and finally begin to explore the possibility of transition.

Although I live as female now, I have not updated any of my old documents from that country. I am not coming out to anyone from that country (except my sibling who is totally supportive and my parents whom I have not told the entire story yet). I have not interacted with my relatives from that country for over 15 years, not kept in touch with any friends or classmates from that country for over a decade, and not socialized with anyone from that country in over 2 years. I know I may be going too far, but my parents still live in that country and I care for their safety.

Based on your post, it sounds like India is no better. I have a few questions, not trying to pry or suggest better ways; merely trying to understand the situation in India.

It sounds like you do not identify as hijra. Per my understanding, hijras are almost like a religious cult of "neither men nor women". They choose or end up with this designation of hijra because their are intersex, or because their families were illiterate enough to not know what to do with their baby who had some physical deformity, or due to some cultural/religious/social compulsions (I do not totally understand these compulsions), or because they were kidnapped and genitally mutilated. A lot of people with gender dysphoria end up among hijras in India, not due to choice, but because they have nowhere else to go once their family and their society disowns them. So not all hijras are actually technically hijras, as many are individuals with gender dysphoria. Have I got this right?

Why do people in India not distinguish between the hijras and people with gender dysphoria? Is it primarily due to the lack of distinction between reproductive/genetic sex and psychological gender, or lack of knowledge/information, or is there some other religious or social or cultural  reason?

I have heard that people from India classify all LGBT people as hijras in their general conversation. Is this true?

Would you be able to live socially as your gender assigned at birth while you transition, not show any many outward signs (eg. behavior, mannerisms, etc) that you may be trans, and when you are ready to transition socially just move to another part of that country and live in your right gender without anyone figuring it out? I understand that this may be hard, both mentally draining and difficult to execute, but is this possible at all?

I have heard that India does not permit changing gender on the birth certificate from M to F and from F to M, but it has recently allowed people to change their gender on the passport from M to F or E or from F to M or E (E = eunuch, which I find insulting if used to describe me, and even invalid because I saved my sperm before my transition and I am only as much of a eunuch as everyone with infertility issues and everyone over a certain age and everyone susceptible of getting into an accident tomorrow!!!). Would you be able to get a passport in your right gender and use the passport for all identification within India and thereby not have an issue within India?

Quote from: marissak on November 13, 2010, 03:19:48 PM
Based on your post, it sounds like India is no better. I have a few questions, not trying to pry or suggest better ways; merely trying to understand the situation in India.

Its ok... I dont mind answering them... although it will be difficult as it involves living/experiencing India...

Quote from: marissak on November 13, 2010, 03:19:48 PM
It sounds like you do not identify as hijra. Per my understanding, hijras are almost like a religious cult of "neither men nor women". They choose or end up with this designation of hijra because their are intersex, or because their families were illiterate enough to not know what to do with their baby who had some physical deformity, or due to some cultural/religious/social compulsions (I do not totally understand these compulsions), or because they were kidnapped and genitally mutilated. A lot of people with gender dysphoria end up among hijras in India, not due to choice, but because they have nowhere else to go once their family and their society disowns them. So not all hijras are actually technically hijras, as many are individuals with gender dysphoria. Have I got this right?

Yes you are right, however, Hijras ARE a religious cult/sect of the Hindu religion, they devote themselves or are supposed devote themselves to a particular deity (which changes depending on the location and country: eg: In North India the goddess Bahuchara Mata is worshiped by Pavaiyaa (પાવૈયા). In South India, the goddess Renuka is believed to have the power to change one's sex). Hijra tradition is followed in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri-Lanka, although the term used may change depending on location. One of the things that hijras are supposed to identify themselves are as a member of a 3rd gender according to local/Hijra tradition, even though many of them are transgender. I guess the reason, I dont intentify myself as one, it is because of the way I was raised. It is very difficult to explain but here goes: In India there are 2 cultures that one must look at, the nationwide which has existed for just 75-100 years since time of Independence or the resistance to British raj and the many thousands of sub-cultures that have existed for centuries (Hijras being one..), most obvious sub-culture is the change is food, traditions and traditional clothes and language as you change states...  and the parents tend to raise their child according to their sub-culture with different values. the culture I was raised as part of was that of a combination of Catholic/Christian/Konkan (thin strip of land stretching accross most of western coast of India from Gujrat State - altough not part of Gujrat- all the way to the south and divided from rest of India by the Western Ghats -mountain/hill/plateau region) ... which in India our sub-culture favours western ideas over traditional mainly due to heavy influence of the Portugese and the British as well as Dutch in Konkan traditions (not catholic). (dont let this fool you.. the community is still deeply religious...) The other reason is that I just dont see myself as a 3rd gender, nor do I want to undergo Castration which is an important intiation rite for Hijras.. (Its either SRS or no SRS for me)

Quote from: marissak on November 13, 2010, 03:19:48 PM
Why do people in India not distinguish between the hijras and people with gender dysphoria? Is it primarily due to the lack of distinction between reproductive/genetic sex and psychological gender, or lack of knowledge/information, or is there some other religious or social or cultural  reason?

Yes.. all of those reasons actually.. despite a lot of progress.. in recent years... India is still an extremely traditional country... and illiteracy is still a major problem for the country... although more liberal in comparison to many of our neighbors Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka and others. the reason is that by law as well as tradition, Hijras don't have any legal rights and are forced into begging and prostitution to earn money... and people tend to associate this image of a Hijra on the streets (which is a very negative stigma) with anyone with gender dysphoria. and Hijra traditions have always welcomed people with gender dysphoria as many of these people face the exact same problems as Hijras once they are out with no support. Also there are almost no treatment or any consultation/therapy available to people with gender dysphoria due to lack of qualified doctors and due to the social stigma attached to seeking counseling/therapy.

Quote from: marissak on November 13, 2010, 03:19:48 PM
I have heard that people from India classify all LGBT people as hijras in their general conversation. Is this true?

No... although depending on the state/city the level of prejudice or acceptance towards someone from the LGB community would change.

Quote from: marissak on November 13, 2010, 03:19:48 PM
Would you be able to live socially as your gender assigned at birth while you transition, not show any many outward signs (eg. behavior, mannerisms, etc) that you may be trans, and when you are ready to transition socially just move to another part of that country and live in your right gender without anyone figuring it out? I understand that this may be hard, both mentally draining and difficult to execute, but is this possible at all?

No, In India all documents require either male or female written on it... and birth cert is one of the important ones.. changing documentation is a very lengthy and expensive procedure and involves a lot of bribes to government officials. Providing wrong information means you could be fired, blacklisted from jobs/employment or worse jailed. Also the city I live in (Mumbai/Bombay) is one of the most liberal places in India (others that come close are Delhi and Kolkatta/Calcutta however Mumbai/Bombay along with these cities is still very traditional in comparison with the west)

Quote from: marissak on November 13, 2010, 03:19:48 PM
I have heard that India does not permit changing gender on the birth certificate from M to F and from F to M, but it has recently allowed people to change their gender on the passport from M to F or E or from F to M or E (E = eunuch, which I find insulting if used to describe me, and even invalid because I saved my sperm before my transition and I am only as much of a eunuch as everyone with infertility issues and everyone over a certain age and everyone susceptible of getting into an accident tomorrow!!!). Would you be able to get a passport in your right gender and use the passport for all identification within India and thereby not have an issue within India?

Yes and No, I may be able to get a passport with a changed gender on it, but would not have the money/finances to afford such a change... one of the reasons I decided to wait these many years and have decided to start HRT now is the realization that I have screwed up my education... despite my best efforts I have failed to get a good percentage (Indian education system favors percentage marks over grades) and the Indian education system is tough and unforgiving... although things have eased up since 2009, and has one goal to provide maximum knowledge (in related fields) to each of the students. It may be several years before I am able to get enough finances going to make a move , and I cant stand another day being a guy... I cannot ask my parents as it would be too much of a strain for them for me to be able to bear... I cant and dont want them to go through more problems at their age.

I really admire the courage of many of the people on this site including yourself and wish I am able to do the same...
(please forgive my spelling mistakes its quite early in the morning here and I am still quite sleepy ... and cant see the keyboard)

Thank you for taking the time to explain and to share your experiences.

I just read several articles from India and the instructions for applying for an Indian passport. I think I had an incorrect understanding about the choice to select M, F or E as the sex of the passport applicant in India. The Western media, which reported this new change in the law in India, also got it wrong.

All that the Indian government has changed is to introduce the new category, E for eunuch, for anyone who self-identified as the "third gender". Your government is not providing you with the option to change M to F or F to M. SRS appears to be a unrecognized concept as far as the government in India goes. The government in India is only letting you go from M to E or F to E. And I guess once you choose E, they will never let you go back to M or F. This new E category probably helps some of the hijras who identify as "neither men nor women". It does not help you if you are undergoing gender transition as you have described and do not identify as E.

I am sorry to hear that this is so hard in India. I guess I knew it was hard in my country of origin too. I do not get why people are so opposed to someone else's gender expression. Frankly, it never harms me in any way if my neighbors or friends or relatives or strangers identify or express whatever gender they need to, or have sexual orientation towards whoever they feel attracted to. I do not get how people can be so grossly uncouth to treat other human beings without the basic dignity of life. This has got to be the huge civil rights issue across the world that needs to be addressed soon. We are talking about millions of trans individuals who are at risk and millions more who live painful lives closeted in fear. For gays and lesbians in the US, we see the "it gets better" movement underway. I hope it truly gets better for trans individuals too.

If I had lots of money (I guess as an outsider to India, I can still vote with my money), I could have influenced India to change its ways by investing only in parts of India where social reforms with respect to LGBT issues were addressed or in companies that openly announce their support for LGBT individuals. I hope that the people who have that kind of money do this soon.

Hello and welcome. 
My boyfriend is Indian and has told me how hard things are for anyone who steps outside the mainstream there.  I hope things go well for you, and you can eventually live the life you are entitled too.

Sandra.

Thanx guys! I really hope things improve not just here but elsewhere as well!

Quite a story there, Ms. Vibes. Perhaps you can think about leaving the country for transitioning, and returning if you want to as a woman.

No matter what you do, I wish you the best. I hope more and more people will have the courage to seek help, even under nigh-impossible odds.

This is really interesting to read.  I knew that India was a more traditional country, but I didn't realize that the options for trans people were so limited.  I'm sorry to hear that you have to struggle with this.

thanx guys... your support really means a lot to me ....

India and the Indian government (not officially of course ... ) has a long tradition of treating its own citizens like toilet paper...
the only consolation for me is that the meds and the treatment (except SRS and specialized FFS are not available here and if you want it here you will need to do all the research yourself and then educate the docs) are way cheaper... eg: full body laser at lesser known clinic in Mumbai would cost Indian Rupees: 75000 (Rs 15000x5 sessions + 1 free session) or US$ 1656.56 .. have not checked out the clinic yet though...
and the fact that it is much worse in certain middle eastern countries (not sure which) and in Pakistan (especially the Taliban occupied areas) where any person with LGBT are routinely executed...

edit: therapy/consultation also not readily available and qualified endocrinologist are hard to find....

edit: (6th Dec 2010) after 2 to 3 years looking for a therapist got a good recommendation from a good endo who I found after several months of searching ... (expensive but looks like the only one in a very densely populated city - think millions in a very small city... and the only one that didnt make me feel like s**t) PM me for the contacts...

Vibes, I'm in India but know nothing of it. I live in an illusion of westernized city and a very modern family who have no sense of anything traditional. It is hard for me to imagine there are poor conditions in other regions of the country. I wasn't even aware of Hijras and such. What I plan to do is move out of India once my transition commences or after HRT. I don't even plan to do HRT in India. I'm going all the way after all, close to perfect stealth.

I don't really trust anything in India to be honest. For example my father's hernia operation failed, we even went to an expensive hospital with a well known surgeon and got it done for $2500. Well, as I said it failed and poor father's condition was worsening. No Corrective surgery at all. Father is now seeking another top surgeon in the $3000 range. Frankly I don't trust anything medical in India. Believe me, I'm not stereotyping. I live in India after all.

Money is not a issue to me, but a perfect transition is. No matter how much, I'll work hard freelancing online to earn it. I've done it in the past, and even doing it now. Working 18/24 hours and all seven days IS hard. BUT well worth it. I still plan to change every single paper trail they have on my name and identity before moving out of India. Do you think you can answer the following for me? I looked around everywhere, even my legal advisor. No one knows it seems.

1) They say a new proposed rule suggests that anyone in India can change their name only once, i.e. once in their lifetime. Is that true? in 1999 it was easy, but not sure how things are after that proposal to Births and Death Act came about. Was the proposal accepted? or is changing names multiple times possible?

2) You said changing birth certificate is possible. With all documents, birth certificate is what I'm going to have most trouble with. Is it really possible to have it changed without a possible trace of my current identity? People say they only clip on a paper with "Also known as" and such. I don't like bribes, but for a better future I wouldn't mind doing that. May it be thousands or lakhs of rupees. I surely hope there is a way at least.

Its great to know I am not the only person from India on susans ... ..

Quote from: fluffles on November 18, 2010, 10:47:42 PM
Vibes, I'm in India but know nothing of it. I live in an illusion of westernized city and a very modern family who have no sense of anything traditional. It is hard for me to imagine there are poor conditions in other regions of the country. I wasn't even aware of Hijras and such. What I plan to do is move out of India once my transition commences or after HRT. I don't even plan to do HRT in India. I'm going all the way after all, close to perfect stealth.

There is no such a thing as a westernized city in India... behind the closed doors are hidden religious/traditional feelings that no-one would speak about unless a descussion/argument is provoked.. trust me on this ... you are trully blessed to have a modern family .. I would recommend getting to know as much as you can about Hijras (via the internet and online newspapers) as there is a very real possiblity for anyone trying to transition or discovered to be trangendered in India to end up like them... & dont trust anyone and I mean anyone!!

Quote from: fluffles on November 18, 2010, 10:47:42 PM
I don't really trust anything in India to be honest. For example my father's hernia operation failed, we even went to an expensive hospital with a well known surgeon and got it done for $2500. Well, as I said it failed and poor father's condition was worsening. No Corrective surgery at all. Father is now seeking another top surgeon in the $3000 range. Frankly I don't trust anything medical in India. Believe me, I'm not stereotyping. I live in India after all.

I do hope things go well for your father...

sadly that's not the first horror story I have heard ... but I have also heard a lot of good stories as well about successful operations... (again sadly nothing related to SRS, HRT, etc) also most of the hormones I am taking are generic versions made by reputed companies owned by other companies abroad (or at least have a controlling stake in the company) & these generic are near perfect imitations of the ones abroad & their sole purpose is to stop competition from other true generics...

Quote from: fluffles on November 18, 2010, 10:47:42 PM
Money is not a issue to me, but a perfect transition is. No matter how much, I'll work hard freelancing online to earn it. I've done it in the past, and even doing it now. Working 18/24 hours and all seven days IS hard. BUT well worth it. I still plan to change every single paper trail they have on my name and identity before moving out of India. Do you think you can answer the following for me? I looked around everywhere, even my legal advisor. No one knows it seems.

1) They say a new proposed rule suggests that anyone in India can change their name only once, i.e. once in their lifetime. Is that true? in 1999 it was easy, but not sure how things are after that proposal to Births and Death Act came about. Was the proposal accepted? or is changing names multiple times possible?

2) You said changing birth certificate is possible. With all documents, birth certificate is what I'm going to have most trouble with. Is it really possible to have it changed without a possible trace of my current identity? People say they only clip on a paper with "Also known as" and such. I don't like bribes, but for a better future I wouldn't mind doing that. May it be thousands or lakhs of rupees. I surely hope there is a way at least.

Changing the name on the birth certificate is possible .. just Google changing name birth certificate in India and you will find a ton of stories related to it.. as for the rule I have honestly never heard of it but will look for more info... will look for books related to Births and Death Act.. (if you come across any let me know)
However, changing the gender on it is a totally different story as there is almost no literature on it...

And best of luck! like you I too hope to be able to leave this country someday ... but that's a totally different story....

Bets of luck Vibes! Thanks for posting such an interesting post! I admire that fact that you are pursuing transition in such a traditional country. It gives me hope in my more liberal homeland.

Hi Didi,

I'm originally from India too but my is from another country (which I can't say) where there are majority indians too here. Well I face the same problem like you day to day. When I came to India a few years ago and I was at the Churchgate station in India, I saw the hijras, I thought I would end pitiable like that, then I said I'd rather take the plane and backtrack again. I did not see a SINGLE intellectual sister there in India, all I just saw were on the streets begging, never saw one in posh areas. However Bobby Darling in the Film Industry Bollywood seems to be excelling high right? How come it's not working for others?

Hi Sis,

Till today I still have fears that I too will end up like that and I doubt they will go away any time soon and I still find it difficult to look a hijra in the eye or even speak/approach them as a result. I really really hope I do not end up on the streets like them...

I guess there are several reasons why they end up like that...

1. Some become hijras at an early age and most have never had a formal education. as a result of running away from home, being adopted by hijras as well as being forced to join them as a result of public/peer pressure. as for me I have always had a fear of ending up on the streets and that has kept me from doing anything that could result in that happening all these years.
2. Lack of public awareness about GID and the general perception is that any person with any psychological disorders is crazy.
3. Lack of government and healthcare support. eg: the government has several policies that appear to help them but only serve to marginalize them further and the healthcare system is not suited to this situation in India.
Example: I dont think my work insurance covers GID so I am paying for the HRT and laser on my own. and both the therapist who I have visited have taken the Standards of Care (SOC) as issued by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health as a rulebook rather than a set of guidelines. which means I have to out myself inorder to get treated and risk loosing my job and a home. one of them show signs of gatekeeper and the other money grabbing personalities despite claiming to have a lot of experience with TG patients or patients with GID.
4. The sheer cost of hrt and laser, a large part of what I am earning at my job is going towards it and it means I have to rely on my parents for support for now.
5. Lack of education and the cult culture among hijras contribute to each other in making this worse/difficult. Also the hijras are not exactly friendly people and there have been several instances of them being attacked and attacking people.
6. Most TG people like myself prefer not to be outed and hence tend to avoid anything that could make us end up like that ... Bobby Darling is an exception because she used her GID and her talent/knowledge of the film industry and public curiosity to help her out and as such is a very smart person and there will be very few like her.

::hugs::
Wish you the best of luck ...
Vibes6

Quote from: Vibes6 on January 08, 2011, 10:42:42 PM
Hi Sis,

Till today I still have fears that I too will end up like that and I doubt they will go away any time soon and I still find it difficult to look a hijra in the eye or even speak/approach them as a result. I really really hope I do not end up on the streets like them...

I guess there are several reasons why they end up like that...

1. Some become hijras at an early age and most have never had a formal education. as a result of running away from home, being adopted by hijras as well as being forced to join them as a result of public/peer pressure. as for me I have always had a fear of ending up on the streets and that has kept me from doing anything that could result in that happening all these years.
2. Lack of public awareness about GID and the general perception is that any person with any psychological disorders is crazy.
3. Lack of government and healthcare support. eg: the government has several policies that appear to help them but only serve to marginalize them further and the healthcare system is not suited to this situation in India.
Example: I dont think my work insurance covers GID so I am paying for the HRT and laser on my own. and both the therapist who I have visited have taken the Standards of Care (SOC) as issued by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health as a rulebook rather than a set of guidelines. which means I have to out myself inorder to get treated and risk loosing my job and a home. one of them show signs of gatekeeper and the other money grabbing personalities despite claiming to have a lot of experience with TG patients or patients with GID.
4. The sheer cost of hrt and laser, a large part of what I am earning at my job is going towards it and it means I have to rely on my parents for support for now.
5. Lack of education and the cult culture among hijras contribute to each other in making this worse/difficult. Also the hijras are not exactly friendly people and there have been several instances of them being attacked and attacking people.
6. Most TG people like myself prefer not to be outed and hence tend to avoid anything that could make us end up like that ... Bobby Darling is an exception because she used her GID and her talent/knowledge of the film industry and public curiosity to help her out and as such is a very smart person and there will be very few like her.

::hugs::
Wish you the best of luck ...
Vibes6

Hi again sis,

But you now you are still going to work in MALE clothes right? But doing your HRT secretly? Right? And don't join the hijras, they are cheap and low-class people with no education. You're a high-class girl and should know how to maintain your standards. You know what, my best advice to you is save your money to LEAVE the country 1st, then you proceed further and just take a massive loan to help you.

I have a VERY important question to ask you. Concerning legal papers you said the constitution do not recognize you but I heard that there are many people there jo tum inko paise de sakte hai taki wo inko tere ek nakli Ration Card, Passport, Birth Certificate & Driving Liscence dena. Is that true? Tum kyun aise admiyan nahi dhoonda? Bahut hain Mumbai mein. Please answer me if this really exist and possible, I wanna know.

Quote from: Sad Girl on January 09, 2011, 01:30:27 AM
Hi again sis,

But you now you are still going to work in MALE clothes right? But doing your HRT secretly? Right? And don't join the hijras, they are cheap and low-class people with no education. You're a high-class girl and should know how to maintain your standards. You know what, my best advice to you is save your money to LEAVE the country 1st, then you proceed further and just take a massive loan to help you.

I have a VERY important question to ask you. Concerning legal papers you said the constitution do not recognize you but I heard that there are many people there jo tum inko paise de sakte hai taki wo inko tere ek nakli Ration Card, Passport, Birth Certificate & Driving Liscence dena. Is that true? Tum kyun aise admiyan nahi dhoonda? Bahut hain Mumbai mein. Please answer me if this really exist and possible, I wanna know.

The problem with leaving the country is the cost ... if I were to calculate the cost of SRS in Indian currency will be 16-20Lakh (16,00,000-20,00,000 INR) which is half what it would cost me if were to get an education abroad which is needed in most developed countries to get a job there. Any and all middle eastern/Arabic country is out of the question as these countries have a policy of arresting/executing homosexuals/transsexuals/transgendered individuals which is a lot worse.

Also not tried to get the papers changed as it means I have to out myself to my parents/work once they find the modified documents and there is also the added risk of getting arrested if caught in the process.. 

edit: also a big loan will take me 10-30 years to pay off .. which is risky... as I would have to be living on debt a lot of the time...

From what my boyfriend has told me about growing up in India, I would suggest getting the best education you can, and emigrating to somewhere you have a chance of living as your true self.
The way things are nowadays, the more qualifications you have, the easier it is to get a foot in the door.  No guarantee you won't  end up working as a cleaner, or taxi driver first, but at least you would be somewhere better.

(By the way, don't be put off Melbourne by the stories of anti-Indian violence. A lot of the culprits have proven to be other Indian students or co-tenants, and the fellow who claimed to have been set alight turned out to have been trying to torch his own car for the insurance.)