Walking with the Hijaras
"Third sex" people of India live in constant ridicule
Naru Narayanan, For The Mirror
Issue date: 3/4/09 Section: Perspectives
Most of the Hijaras beg or become prostitutes for their living. Begging and prostitution is the consequence of the ill-treatment by people, and even then they are not spared.
Some Hijaras say even the policemen harass them and that the policemen use the Hijaras to harass the criminals sexually.
When Hirjaras beg the people move away from them, get scared of them, and make fun of them. Some Hijaras use abusive language to make money, rub their hands on the private parts of the people and also kiss them. Sometimes, they lift their clothes up to make them give money.
I was able to interview a group of Hijaras and I think they are not as bad as they are portrayed.
Scolding and annoying people for making money is bad, but it seems defensive to me. When they are continuously abused by people, for decades, they will have to take up some measures to stop that, and they maybe chose this.
Before my documentary shoot with them, I was informed that they stripped a reporter's clothes, snatched his camera and cash. But they were not at all mean to us. In fact, they were really sweet and co-operative, and they were not ready to take a penny.
I saw many admirable, as well as pitiable, things in them. Just one day with them and I was able to feel the pain and torture they underwent everyday; I was not able to stand it.
When I walked with them on the road, people moved away from us. Some of my own friends laughed at me. We were not allowed to stand anywhere, go to residential areas and so many more restrictions and insults.
In spite of all these experiences, everyday and night, they have solid characters and high goals and principles, and most important of all, they are united.
Every Hijara wants her community to grow, prosper and be accepted in the society. The day to attain their goals is not far. There are many Hijaras who have proved themselves in various fields - education, occupation, social work and even family life.
The greatest thing I admire about them is when one Hijara succeeds, she makes at least four more Hijaras to succeed.
Some Hijaras say even the policemen harass them and that the policemen use the Hijaras to harass the criminals sexually.
When Hirjaras beg the people move away from them, get scared of them, and make fun of them. Some Hijaras use abusive language to make money, rub their hands on the private parts of the people and also kiss them. Sometimes, they lift their clothes up to make them give money.
I was able to interview a group of Hijaras and I think they are not as bad as they are portrayed.
Scolding and annoying people for making money is bad, but it seems defensive to me. When they are continuously abused by people, for decades, they will have to take up some measures to stop that, and they maybe chose this.
Before my documentary shoot with them, I was informed that they stripped a reporter's clothes, snatched his camera and cash. But they were not at all mean to us. In fact, they were really sweet and co-operative, and they were not ready to take a penny.
I saw many admirable, as well as pitiable, things in them. Just one day with them and I was able to feel the pain and torture they underwent everyday; I was not able to stand it.
When I walked with them on the road, people moved away from us. Some of my own friends laughed at me. We were not allowed to stand anywhere, go to residential areas and so many more restrictions and insults.
In spite of all these experiences, everyday and night, they have solid characters and high goals and principles, and most important of all, they are united.
Every Hijara wants her community to grow, prosper and be accepted in the society. The day to attain their goals is not far. There are many Hijaras who have proved themselves in various fields - education, occupation, social work and even family life.
The greatest thing I admire about them is when one Hijara succeeds, she makes at least four more Hijaras to succeed.
Article last update: 3/3/09 at 8:24 PM CST
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
DAVE
posted 5/25/09 @ 4:33 AM CST
hye,
i m dharmapal dave from mumbai would like to request you that we r a group of law student from india and we r going to file a case in court for hijaras right and its going to be a history. (Continued…)
Miami Movers
posted 7/16/09 @ 11:16 AM CST
It really seems unfair the way they are treated by mainstream society. It's unfortunate that people can't just learn to get along with all people.
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