Religious, Societal Reflection and Rights of Transgender In India

Abstract

This chapter explores the religious, societal reflection and rights of transgender in India. Transgender face social isolation, stigma, rejection, verbal abuse, harassment and threats of violence in every society and every walk of life. The European Court of Human Rights has declared that discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation is a breach of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Discrimination against transgender people is a rights issue worldwide, but the existence of a well-recognised and defined transgender group in India makes the problem particularly conspicuous. The pressing need to address transgender rights exists in almost every realm of Indian society. Organisations like Sangaam, Salaam, Sahodhari, Santi Seva and Parcham are working for the emancipation of transgender communities in India. Globally, life standards are improving, but still some stereotypes exist about certain matters, and one such matter is sexual education.