The Changing Perceptions regarding Hijra in South Asian

In South Asian societies, the third gender called hijra has been in the culture as well as in religion since ancient times. In these societies, it was believed that hijras have the religious power to bless or curse people. However, it recent times, hijra identity has been scrutinized under a harsh Western gaze. Here, people are only considered to be male or female. These two types are assumed to be the natural terms. On the other hand, hijra are objectified and given a false identity. This has triggered them to be categorized within the societies which once legitimated their existence and respected them for their powers. Hijras have faced momentous discrimination and mockery.

This paper describes the Western and non-Western concepts of hijra. After that it explains hijras and the effects of mainstreaming on their lives. Finally, it criticizes the current research on this population and provide solutions to improve their dilemma.

Reference:

Jagadish, P. (2013). Mainstreaming Third-Gender Healers: The Changing Perceptions of South Asian Hijras. Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Journal, 9.

http://ejournals.library.vanderbilt.edu/index.php/vurj/article/viewFile/3798/1881