The Taboo of Transgenders in India: Myths vs. Facts

Transgender is a term that refers to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. This can include individuals who identify as male, female, non-binary or any other gender identity outside the traditional male-female binary. Being transgender is not a choice but an innate aspect of one's identity, and it is not a mental disorder or a lifestyle choice. Transgender individuals often face discrimination, prejudice, and stigma in many areas of their lives, including healthcare, education, employment, and social interactions. Despite the challenges, the transgender community has made significant strides in recent years in terms of visibility, acceptance, and legal protection.

1. Myth: Transgender and intersex are the same.

Fact: They are, in fact, not the same. While intersex means that the child is born with genitalia that does not fit the typical definitions of male and female, a transgender person is one who has a gender identity that is different from the one assigned to them at birth.

 

2. Myth: Being transgender is a psychological disorder.

Fact: This myth cannot be further away from the truth. Transgender is a gender identity and it is a personal choice and subjective experience of people that makes them identify with it.

 

3. Myth: Sexual orientation and gender identity are linked.

Fact: Sexual orientation refers to who a person is attracted to whereas gender identity is simply who a person is. So, a person can be transgender and straight or gay or whatever they prefer and it will have nothing to do with their gender identity.

 

4. Myth: Every transgender person is a Hijra.

Fact: The hijra community is a socio-cultural community composed of transgenders from India and neighboring countries and they have their own set of rules and regulations. Only transgenders who choose to be a part of this community can be called a Hijra.

 

5. Myth: Being transgender is a choice.

Fact: One’s gender is not something one can choose and therefore transgenders are simply born that way and often struggle because of the transphobia we live in.

 

6. Myth: All transgenders medically transition.

Fact: While hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries may be freeing for some transgenders, it is not something every transgender has to compulsorily do (in fact, many can’t afford to).

 

7. Myth: You can tell if someone is transgender.

Fact: Being transgender has nothing to do with the physical appearance of the person.

 

8. Myth: Children cannot know if they are transgender.

Fact: As young as five years old children can understand if their gender is different from the one assigned to them at birth.

 

9. Myth: Transitioning is just one surgery.

Fact: Transitioning is a long and complicated process that involves social, personal, and legal changes in addition to medical ones.

 

10. Myth: People who identify as transgender are simply confused.

Fact: If someone is identifying as transgender it means that they understand their gender and that it is different from their assigned sex. They are not confused (and even if someone is confused about their identity we have no right to invalidate them by assuming so).