Experiences of Hijras in Southeast Asia

What are the experiences of Hijras in Southeast Asia?

Hijras are transgender individuals and followers of the Hindu mother goddess Bahuchara Mata, who is often depicted as transgender. In Southeast Asia, Hijras undergo many experiences such as begging, discrimination, and inadequate access to basic facilities of life.

In southeast Asia, Hijras are classified as transgender or intersex people who belong to communities called the guru-chela system.

In Indian society, they are regarded as 3rd gender who do not undergo any transition and occupy an exceptional place in the Hindu society. They are also termed, socio-religious groups.

However, Southeast Asian transgender experience many difficulties as they do not possess any identity and also do not have equal support as other community members.

Final answer:

Hijras are transgender individuals who follow the Hindu mother goddess Bahuchara Mata. Their experiences in Southeast Asia can include discrimination, marginalization, but also the formation of their own communities and support systems. In Thailand, a similar transgender identity known as kathoey is widely accepted.

Explanation:

Hijras are transgender individuals who are followers of the Hindu mother goddess Bahuchara Mata. They are often depicted as transgender themselves. In Southeast Asia, the experiences of Hijras can vary depending on the specific country or region. One example is in India, where Hijras have faced discrimination and marginalization but have also formed their own communities and support systems. They often earn a living by performing at ceremonies and events. In Thailand, there is a similar transgender identity known as kathoey, which is widely accepted and recognized as a third gender category.