Jobless, they 'convert' to earn livelihood
Rajan Walia, TNN, Nov 23, 2010, 03.49am IST

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Jobless-they-convert-to-earn-livelihood/articleshow/6972586.cms

CHANDIGARH: Of the eunuch population in Tricity and neighbouring areas of Kalka and Kharar, 30-35% educated youths are those who 'converted' and joined the community due to unemployment. This is part of the findings of a study conducted by a group of NGOs.

The findings also suggest that once the eunuchs get approval from 'dera-heads', they take regular and painful hormone-change injections to look feminine in order to join dance groups and earn a livelihood.

During the course of the study, NGO members put across 45 questions before at least 100 young educated eunuchs of the region to know about their present lives and ambitions ahead.