The Supreme Court’s recent decision to grant recognition to the Indian transgender community the legal status as the third category of sex will go a long way in bringing them into national mainstream and from social exclusion to equality under the law. The million plus transgender community in India has come a long way and the apex Court’s historic verdict is a defining moment for them. According to the guidelines of the verdict, the transgender population would not only be entitled to the right to record their gender identity in documents like the election card, passport, driving licence and ration card but also hopefully open many doors for them. However, it remains to be seen if this decision would put an end to the continual social discrimination. The transgender community in India has been subjected to social stigma and denial of basic rights for centuries. Apart from being confined to the margins and ostracised, they have also often shunned by family members.
Indeed, the apex Court’s landmark ruling alone would not bring a change in their unenviable status in society. However, recognition, coupled with measures recommended by the apex court, can in due time prove to be the crucial game changer. What is more crucial at this juncture is to change the mindset of the society towards this community and not view them as oddities or queer people, but treat them as equals with due deference. It is our collective responsibility to bring members of this community into the mainstream. It is also the bounden duty of both government and people to pitch in to ensure that their human rights are not violated.
