It remains to be seen if political parties address transgender community’s needs or continue to neglect them.
New Delhi: India, a country with one of the oldest civilisational histories and renowned for its deep-rooted spiritual and religious traditions, is witnessing remarkable progress in fields like entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, technological advancements, and education.
Yet, a dark shadow looms over this tremendous growth—the persistent neglect and marginalisation of the transgender community.
As Delhi gears up for the Assembly elections on February 5, political parties are campaigning aggressively, offering several promises to woo the voters. However, in the midst of these noisy and bustling campaigns, the transgender community remains sidelined, their voices unheard, and their struggles unaddressed. If this is happening in the capital, one can only imagine the plight of transgender people in other parts of the country.
According to the 2011 national census, Delhi has nearly 4,213 transgender people, and this number is likely to increase manifold. Yet, the Election Commission shows that only 1,261 third-gender individuals are registered to vote in Delhi this year. This strikingly small number is a result of systemic barriers and a lack of awareness within the community.
Rudrani Chhetri, founder of Delhi-based Mitr Trust, an LGBTQ charity, explained to The Sunday Guardian that many transgender individuals lack the necessary Transgender Certificate and Identity Card (TG card). These cards, issued by the government, allow individuals to officially change their name and gender on documents and access central government benefits via the National Portal. However, the process to obtain these cards is cumbersome and inaccessible to many, leaving a significant portion of the community excluded from essential rights and welfare schemes.
Ayesha, a transgender activist, talking to The Sunday Guardian, highlighted another critical issue. Most transgender individuals in Delhi are migrants from other states. Many are disowned by their families or flee their homes due to social stigma and discrimination. To obtain a TG card, applicants must provide documentation from their native place, which becomes impossible for those who have severed ties with their families or face bureaucratic challenges. As a result, many transgender individuals choose not to obtain a TG card, further marginalising them from government support.
The transgender community in Delhi—and across India—faces relentless social and economic challenges.
Rashi, a transgender individual, spoke about the daily harassment and exploitation they endure. Their struggles manifold, ranging from sexual abuse and public humiliation to economic hardship and social exclusion.
“Sexual exploitation and harassment have become a norm for us. It’s our everyday reality. We’ve accepted it because we have no choice,” Rashi shared, her voice filled with pain.
She also spoke of the social stigma that isolates transgender individuals from mainstream society, leaving them to fend for themselves. Many transgender individuals are forced into begging or sex work as other opportunities remain inaccessible due to discrimination.
Adding to their woes, the political system largely ignores their plight. Despite the existence of schemes aimed at empowering transgender individuals, implementation remains inadequate, and political parties show little interest in addressing their needs.
Both Ayesha and Rashi pointed out the glaring apathy of political parties, stating, “All political parties—AAP, BJP, Congress—ignore us. We are a secluded community without a voice or political relevance due to our low registered numbers. We are left to survive on our own.”
The lack of representation and outreach by political entities underscores the systemic exclusion of the transgender community from the political process.
Despite being eligible voters and citizens of India, the transgender community continues to suffer on all fronts, with their concerns rarely making it into political manifestos. Hence, they remain disenfranchised and disillusioned.
The transgender community in Delhi, and across the country, deserves dignity, equal rights and better opportunities so they can lead better lives, just like others.
As the Delhi elections approach, the question still remains: will any political party rise to the occasion, or will the transgender community continue to be ignored?