Housing for Transgender Community in Kerala

Abstract

Transgender is generally described as an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, Gender expression or behaviour does not conform to their biological sex”. The term “transgender”, in contemporary usage, is used to describe a wide range of identities and experiences, including but not limited to pre-operative, post-operative and non-operative transsexual people, who strongly identify with the gender opposite to their biological sex; male and female (SC judgment, 2014). In India, 'Hijra'1 is term used to refer to transwomen (male-tofemale transsexual or transgender individuals). {HIJRA LIVES: NEGOTIATING SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND IDENTITIES Mrinalini Mazumdar} This ancient close knit community is usually discriminated against and marginalised owing to superstition and colonial hangover. The census report reveals that India is home to 4.9 lakh transgenders of which very few receive a family environment or proper education. In 2014, the Supreme Court passed the ruling that “In view of the constitutional guarantee, the transgender community is entitled to basic rights i.e. Right to Personal Liberty, dignity, Freedom of expression, Right to Education and Empowerment, Right against violence, Discrimination and exploitation and Right to work. Moreover, every person must have the right to decide his/her gender expression and identity, including transsexuals, transgenders, hijras and should have right to freely express their gender identity and be considered as a third sex.” Thus, today the transgender people in India are considered to be the Third Gender. This section of people who have been forced to the corners in households owing to their circumstances are set to be provided independent homes under the Kerala government's LIFE (livelihood inclusion and financial empowerment) Housing Mission initiative. The move aims at ensuring social inclusiveness in housing schemes. This projects, through its site and vision will require understanding of the traditions and aspirations of the community and the tackling of the extreme climate using the local material and techniques to maximum potential.