The Transgender Community In India And Socio-Economic Conundrum

The Transgender community in India like most of the countries in the world faces discrimination in their day-to-day lives. This discrimination persists in the form of social rejection, unrecognition, physical and verbal abuse, harassment, lack of property rights, and merely low-paying or undignified work opportunities.

As a result, most transgenders in India either work in the informal sector or are undocumented. This implies that a majority of their population remains underrepresented and their financial needs therefore undermined.

The goal of this article is to understand the current challenges faced by the transgender community in India, and how government, other financial institutions solutions, and society in general can do for the socio-economic upliftment of the community.

Understanding challenges

The total population of transgenders in India as per the 2011 Census is 4.8 lakh; only 30,000 are registered with the election commission. However, estimates suggest that there are 50 to 60 lakh transgenders in India, but a majority of live their lives in complete discreet to avoid discrimination.  

In an interview conducted with transgender employees from ‘TransFormation Salon’ - Mumbai’s first salon run by the transgender community, revealed that transgenders struggle to support themselves and their families due to the lack of opportunities, financial knowledge, and support from the government.

Over the years, governments worldwide have taken various supportive measures like legalising same-sex marriages, creating awareness in the masses on the rights and deprived recognition given to the LGBTQIA+ community. However, deeper, collaborative, and stringent efforts need to be taken in this regard.

Reports give us a very clear and harsh ground reality about the situation and condition of the transgender community in India: According to the 2011 census, the literacy rate for transgender individuals stood at 56.1%, with a population of approximately 4.8 lakhs, in contrast to the national average of 74.04%.

As indicated in a 2018 study on transgender rights conducted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

- Nearly 92% of transgender individuals are denied the right to engage in any form of economic activity in the country. Qualified individuals face job rejections, forcing them into begging or opting for sex work.

- The report also revealed that 52% of transgender individuals experienced harassment from classmates, and 15% faced harassment from teachers.

- Only about 2% of transgender individuals live with their parents, while 53% follow the guru-chela system, where gurus offer shelter in exchange for a share of their earnings.

Deciphering solutions

The solution to the conundrum of socio-economic development of the transgender community is two-fold: Firstly to develop an 'Inclusive Environment' where the community feels accepted and recognized, and therefore can co-exist simultaneously with other genders. Secondly, to create 'Tailored Financial Solutions' to bring in financial awareness and inclusivity of the trans masses.

Establishment of a Dedicated Platform for Transgenders: The creation of specialized platforms, both digital and non-digital, catering to the needs of transgenders. These initiatives could take the form of government or local organization programs, offering essential support and services for legal processing and documentation.

Inclusive Educational Curriculum: Integration of gender inclusivity into the Indian school curriculum from an early age to eradicate discrimination against transgenders at its roots. This approach aims to inspire continued learning within the formal education system, consequently raising literacy rates and improving employment prospects.

Employment and Income Opportunities: Providing employment opportunities tailored for transgenders, such as the TransFormation salon. Despite societal challenges, recognizing the unique talents and passion of transgender individuals for their work is crucial, given the limited opportunities they often encounter.

Savings and Investment Platforms: Collaboration with banks and organizations to reach out to transgenders, educating them on strategic saving and investment methods. Establishing inclusive platforms tailored to the specific needs of transgender individuals is essential for securing their financial future.

Communication and Marketing: Concurrent with these strategies, raising awareness and emphasizing the necessity of financial inclusion for transgenders will enhance the creation and effectiveness of gender-specific financial platforms. Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where influencers discuss the financial challenges faced by transgenders in India, can be effective. Additionally, advertisements, podcasts, and news programs can shed light on the issue. Word of mouth also plays a crucial role in creating awareness, adding a personal and trustworthy touch. A combination of these methods would prove successful in uplifting the financial status of transgenders in India.

Authored by Jiya Rathi, a student based out of Mumbai - with a keen interest in community and social welfare.

Suggested reading: Meet Dr Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, The Affirming Trans Power We Needed