Why in News: Despite legal recognition (e.g., NALSA v. Union of India, 2014), trans persons in India face systemic exclusion in education, housing, employment, and public spaces. Policies often remain symbolic, with limited impact on lived realities.
Challenges
1. Policy Gaps
- Quotas exist but are marred by corruption, bureaucratic hurdles, and humiliation.
- Lack of enforceable anti-discrimination safeguards.
2. Social Prejudice
- Housing discrimination; landlords/neighbours resist tenancy.
- Everyday harassment in markets, buses, and public spaces.
3. Economic & Health Barriers
- Gender transition is expensive and inaccessible.
- Limited mental health support and employment opportunities.
4. Lack of Representation
- Trans persons remain absent in legislatures and decision-making bodies.
- Their realities are often ignored in policymaking.
Historical Parallels
- Exclusion of trans persons mirrors past injustices:
- African-Americans denied civil rights.
- Women denied voting rights.
- Dalits denied access to legislatures.
Urgent Priorities
1. Education: Scholarships, inclusive curricula, anti-bullying protocols.
2. Healthcare: Affordable, state-supported gender transition & mental health care.
3. Employment & Housing: Strong anti-discrimination laws, rental protections, workplace inclusivity.
4. Political Representation: Seats in Parliament, Assemblies, and boards (e.g., censor/media boards).
Conclusion
Denial of rights to trans persons is a national issue, not a minority issue.Policy must shift from symbolic promises to structural justice, ensuring that laws are made with trans persons, not merely about them.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper II (Polity & Governance):
- Fundamental Rights (Articles 14, 15, 19, 21) and their application to transgender persons.
- Role of judiciary (NALSA v. Union of India, 2014; Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019).
GS Paper I (Society):
- Issues of marginalised groups, social prejudice, and inclusion in public life.
Mains Practice Question
Q. “Despite progressive judgments, transgender persons in India continue to face systemic exclusion.” Discuss.