ANIKA SHARMA writes: How many of us in the media know who eunuchs are and who are hijras? What role is the media playing in educating society about transgenders and transsexuals? And what role can it play in educating the families of eunuchs, especially young eunuchs?
Eunuchs and hijras are as much a part of the society we inhabit. They too too have a life. But how does the media view them? How much space do newspapers give them or issues related to them—and how many seconds/minutes does television turn its cameras on them?
Truth to tell, transsexuals have been stereotyped by society and turned into figures of rejection, ostracised from the mainstream life as we know it. Many of them have been made the brunt of crude jokes.
Should the media fall into the same trap? What is the media doing to educate and inform the parents of eunuchs? What is our society doing in accepting eunuchs and helping them in expressing their sexuality or sharing their sexual identity in the normal society?
Journalists, journalism students and future journalists must have a discussion and get this kicking. What are we going to do if some day we have to write on such sensitive issues? How are we going to deal with this section of society?
Photograph by the author
11 April 2007 at 8:00 pm
Media is the only way the public can be sensitised to the the issue..issues relating to medical and psychological aspects need to be published as a series..the outlook of people will gradually change..they should get the attention of the govt so that they provide career development cells for these people and bring in laws for equality in oppurtunities for work and educations[reservations will be of real help here]
13 April 2007 at 10:49 am
I guess there is a lot of awareness about the hijras nowadays. The closeted crossdressing population is on the rise. Many men secretly practice crossdressing and transvestitism and are supported by their spouses. These people have intense concern and contacts with the hijras and attend few festivals organised by the hijra community. So if hijras are outward transsexuals many who cant give up their public life/work life just undergo the passive and hidden ways to fantasize. Most of these people keep in touch with internet Messengers or private groups and community portals.
9 March 2008 at 12:02 am
your photo sant
19 September 2008 at 6:32 pm
I should say that this is very bad to hear that hijra or trannies community is not getting the rights which is compulsory provided to them. government should provides the same law against them and should allow the opportunities to educate, work and live with the society.
13 September 2010 at 6:41 pm
Oh please! Every job, educational institution and even public transport in India is already filled with numerous quotas for all minority groups in India. Even the train transport system in India has special concession quotas depending on your job, minority status and what not!
We don’t need reservations for hijras as well. If equality needs to be promoted among all the minority groups & general population, we need to first get rid of the hundred different quotas that currently exist. Let everyone have a fair shot at jobs without discrimination. Reservations are only making things harder for 95% of the general population while the minorities have it easy.
The govt. should take it upon itself to educate the masses regarding hijras and give them proper training and jobs so that they don’t have to go around extorting money from people.
Making reservations and special allowances for them will achieve nothing. The average Joe will just hate them even more because mind you the general population gets no special favors from the government like the minorities!
9 February 2012 at 9:17 am
The main and the most important thing is that are these hijras or transvestites doing something for them selves? are they themselves getting educated.There are virtual universities around and lots of opportunities to help oneself. They sing , dance , have tranny shows , but has anyone seen them talking/walking and doing constructive things?