 "Transgenders still face stigma, avoid elections")
The Election Commission may have introduced 'others' gender option in an attempt to uplift the oppressed communities, but the transgender community says they are still living in social stigma and are yet to be included in the democratic process.
Despite 15,000 to 20,000 transgenders living across the national capital, mere 839 have enrolled themselves (as per the data by Delhi's Chief Electoral office) and will be casting their votes in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls to be held here on April 10.
"There is a huge difference between the population figure and electoral figure. The figure is low because we still do not feel comfortable to register ourselves in the electoral roll because of the discrimination we suffer," said a transgender Jaya.
She said many of the transgenders are still secluded from the mainstream society and culture.
"The society still needs to accept us. We are a reality and not tales. We are called 'Hijda' (eunuch) and are looked down upon. The voluntarily participation will rise once the government and the people start respecting and accepting us," Jaya said.
However, the community members welcomes the EC's initiative and feel that other departments and organisations too should take this example and give such option so that they can come out freely in the society with an 'Identity'.
"We have faced so much discrimination that now we only feel safe within our community and people. We are at times even termed as 'criminals'," a transgender said on condition of anonymity.
Despite 15,000 to 20,000 transgenders living across the national capital, mere 839 have enrolled themselves (as per the data by Delhi's Chief Electoral office) and will be casting their votes in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls to be held here on April 10.
"There is a huge difference between the population figure and electoral figure. The figure is low because we still do not feel comfortable to register ourselves in the electoral roll because of the discrimination we suffer," said a transgender Jaya.
She said many of the transgenders are still secluded from the mainstream society and culture.
"The society still needs to accept us. We are a reality and not tales. We are called 'Hijda' (eunuch) and are looked down upon. The voluntarily participation will rise once the government and the people start respecting and accepting us," Jaya said.
However, the community members welcomes the EC's initiative and feel that other departments and organisations too should take this example and give such option so that they can come out freely in the society with an 'Identity'.
"We have faced so much discrimination that now we only feel safe within our community and people. We are at times even termed as 'criminals'," a transgender said on condition of anonymity.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%