Get proactive on taking the third gender mainstream

‘Transgender’ refers to individuals who do not identify with the binary gender system of male and female. They may identify as both, neither, or a combination of both majority genders. ‘Mainstreaming’ those who identify as transgender involves creating a society that is inclusive and supportive of them. Policies and programmes that ensure their socio-economic and political empowerment will be needed, as also awareness creation among people in general. Governments also need to address the discrimination and stigma faced by the community. India’s legal recognition of the third gender was a significant step. In 2014, the Supreme Court recognized the third gender as a legal category, thereby giving them the right to self-identify and access government benefits and services. But challenges abound.

Among these is discrimination in education and employment. Many are denied access due to their gender identity, resulting in economic marginalization and poverty. The healthcare needs of the community also suffer neglect as many find they are discriminated against at health facilities. Religious and cultural beliefs also play a role in this, resulting in many being shunned by their families. Another issue of concern is violence against transgenders. Many face this routinely, causing fear and insecurity.

A few states and firms have taken positive steps to create an inclusive environment for them. Prominent among states is Kerala, which became the first in India to introduce a transgender policy, back in 2015. It provides for the creation of a transgender justice board, the only one of its kind, to address issues faced by the community, and also includes provisions for education, employment and healthcare. In 2018, Tamil Nadu announced a scheme offering free sex reassignment surgery (SRS) to transgenders, apart from education and job opportunities.

While most enterprises talk of LGBTQ+ inclusion, few have done much for the third gender. Notable are Tata Steel and Indian Oil Corp, which took initiatives to create inclusive workplaces for transgenders. Both recruited transgender trainee engineers and offered education and skill development.

There is a long way to go in ending discrimination. It’s a global issue, too. In 2007, Nepal became the world’s first country to recognize a third gender category on its citizenship certificates. The country also ensures legal protection and has taken transgender welfare steps.

In 2012, Argentina became the first country to let transgenders legally change their gender identity without any need of a diagnosis or SRS, which its public health system offers free. Sweden is perhaps the most LGBTQ-friendly country of all, having done much for inclusion. Canada has passed a transgender rights bill that offers legal protections and prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity.

Among global enterprises, Starbucks is one of the largest to create an inclusive workplace for transgender employees. It provides gender-affirming health coverage, education and training to its staff. While each country or organization may have its own approach, the key to success lies in creating an inclusive environment that recognizes and respects the rights of transgenders and offers them equal access to opportunities and resources. Governments must take a proactive approach and work with civil society, NGOs, businesses and other stakeholders to help draw the third gender into the mainstream. Here are five focus areas for this:

One, education: The government must ensure equal educational access to the transgender community.

Two, healthcare: Ensure that transgender individuals have access to affordable and gender-affirming healthcare services.

Three, employment: Ensure equal access to employment opportunities, and insist that employers create an inclusive workplace.

Four, social inclusion: Address the stigma faced by the community and sensitize the general population.

Five, skill development: The Skill India Mission could provide these opportunities and enable transgenders to enter the workforce and contribute to the economy.

On its part, the community could do their bit too. Here are some pointers:

· Demand reservations in politics, public office and employment.

· Join together under LGBTQ+ banners and hold events for awareness that are fun and attract attention.

· Create local community centres and publicize its activities across society.

· Get speaker roles in larger events, not necessarily related to LGBTQ+ issues.

· Create a website and social media presence for the community and publicize issues and activities. Clear up myths about the third gender and put out ‘show-and-tell’ pictures and videos.

· At the places of work, help employers develop awareness modules for staff on respecting and dealing with transgenders. A washroom policy could be explained and also why gender perceptions and sensitivity must widen to reflect the real world.

M. Muneer & Tumpa Dey are, respectively, co-founder of the non-profit Medici Institute, and assistant professor, Institute of Management Technology, Hyderabad.

Updated: 18 Jun 2023, 11:35 PM IST