The Struggle For Acceptance

Prostitution

The oldest profession in the world is alive and thriving among the hijra community of the Asian subcontinent. The major cause for this shift from respectable traditional modes of earning to prostitution is believed to because of a fundamental shift in thinking of the vast majority of the population.

A lot of the younger generation simply do not follow the religious practices of older times or cannot afford to have large, opulent gatherings with hijras being showered with gifts and money. Their portrayal in the society as loud, comical and lewd characters (a depiction hard to argue against often) has also made their presence unwanted at social gatherings.

This bias against the hijras permeates every level of society and thus they can find it extremely hard to get a good education or to be even considered for a respectable public facing job. Servile jobs as hired help, helpers at bathhouses and prostitution are often the only avenues open to them.

Over a period of time, enough generations have passed their lives following these practices that it has become the new social norm among their community and thus the de facto for any new members that join. The sex trade is usually run under the direction of the house elders, most of whom make sure that the various territories of activity are respected by different households.

Legal Battle

Legally, the community was not recognized and there was no option under Indian law to declare yourself as "third gender". This battle for recognition was being fought for a long period of time by activists who believed that this recognition was the first step to a path of redemption and social inclusion for the hijras.

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This status has now been formally recognized by the government and it is hoped that the community will receive better social protection to ensure they can be educated and given a life of respect and decency. The Supreme Court of India in April 2014 ruled in favor of the creation of a "third gender" category that people could identify themselves as.

Conclusion

The hijra community as it once existed is remnant of an India that no longer exists. The communities that once depended solely on the largesse of others no longer exist. Only the Brahmins still exist as an intermediary between god and humans, however their role too has been reduced immeasurably in Hindu society.