In the 21st century the Indian state is taking legal measures to turn back the clock and reverse the injustices meted out to transgender people.
Transgender people still face social stigma and encounter unfair laws in the process.
According to 2011 Census, the Transgender population was 4.8 lakh in the country. However, current estimates claim that the actual population is between 50 and 60 lakh. Underreporting happens as most don’t come out because of discrimination.
According to 2018 National Human Rights Commission report, 96% of Transgender people are denied jobs and forced to accept low paying and often demeaning work including begging and prostitution.
In 2012, Karnataka Police Act was amended to allow “surveillance of Hijras”. The act was revoked in 2016 after mass protests.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019 made medical examination for issuing the identity certificate for transgender people compulsory.
But the government announced the removal of “medical examination” in September 2020 draft after strong protests which labelled the examination an attack on “dignity”.
There’s no Central provision for reservation for Transgender people. However, proposals for such have been advanced in 2020.
There have also been legal constructive changes towards bringing about a change in attitude towards transgenders. In 2014, Supreme Court of India directed the creation of the ‘third gender’ category for Transgender people on official forms.
In 2015, Kerala became the first state to have a Transgender policy.
In 2016, Odisha became the first state to provide social welfare benefits that include pension and food grains to Transgender people.
In 2019, The Transgender Persons’ (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 was passed. This act protects Transgender people from discrimination in the country.
In December 2019, Uttar Pradesh announced the first University for Transgender people in India.
In June 2020, Sector 50 station of the Noida-Greater Noida Metro was named the “Rainbow Station". This station also employs transgenders.
In August 2020, UP cleared an Amendment allowing Transgender people to inherit “ancestral agricultural land”.
Did you know? Gilbert is a Sans-Serif typeface, and a tribute font to honor the memory of Gilbert Baker, the creator of the iconic Rainbow flag. This colorful typeface is part of the TypeWithPride initiative, a collaboration between NewFest, NYC Pride, Ogilvy and Fontself. We have used this font throughout this video.