LEGAL RECOGNITION VS SOCIAL REALITY : The Struggle of Transgender Individuals
ABSTRACT:
Is the determination of sexual orientation in our hands? Can we control the sexual orientation of any person? In India, and in various parts of the world, the orientation of the third gender, which includes transgender, non-binary etc are always in a substantially vulnerable state. As the birth of a male or a female brings an atmosphere of happiness, joy and blessings within the family and society, but if that same family, that same society comes to know about a third sexual orientation, the situation turns drastically to sorrow, mourning, and an awful moment. And even if out of hundreds of families, if one of the families tries to keep their child with them out of love the society starts acting like a villain to that same family and forces them to such an extent that they have to abandon their child. Anti-trans stigma has also contributed to the historical erasure of trans people in health research, policy, and practice, leading to limited availability of data on trans people’s health. The article that follows examines the several obstacles that transgender individuals face and assesses the steps that need to be taken in order to attain complete equality. It also looks at institutional changes, public policy initiatives, and legislative developments to ensure social participation and human dignity. In addition to legal recognition, the study argues that welfare-oriented governance, social consciousness, and effective implementation strategies are essential.
Keywords: Transgender rights, gender identity, equality, social justice, inclusion, human dignity, public policy.
