Socio-psychological impact of transgender persons (protection of rights) bill 2016: An Indo-Bangladesh critique

Pages: 1028-1030
Mona Prashar and Bhupinder Pal Singh Chahal (University School of Business, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Punjab)

Transgender has come to be the accepted term for persons who do not fall in the physically, sexually defined categories of male and female. They are persons who have been called ‘Kinnar’, ‘Hijras’, ‘Chakkas’ or eunuchs. The manner of use of these connotations has been from indifference to even derogatory. Over the past few decades, there has been concern in the electronic and visual media about the socially impoverished lives these persons are forced to live. In several instances they have had to succumb to severe abuse from the rest of society. They have been insulted and even sexually assaulted through most of their lives. Countries the world over have attempted to ameliorate the situation of these marginalized members of society so that they are enabled to live a life free from stigma. The recent declaration of Section 377 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 held forth a ray of hope for this person. However, the manner of implementation and the degree to which it is implemented have global ramifications. Primary data was used for the research conducted for this paper – Empirical investigative tools of research like focused group discussions were held among undergraduate students. The findings show that most youth favoured the Bill wholeheartedly while a few gave vent to the doubt that legislations cannot cure the deep rooted evil. And the act could be used only when the actual facts are brought to light. Meanwhile, the crimes against the transgender persons may well continue and their socio- psychological position may not change to any great extent. In fact, a large proportion of the transgender persons themselves, see the Act as a threat challenging their safety and livelihoods.