‘Hijras,’ ‘kinnars’, ‘khusras’ (transgenders) singing, dancing and blessing the mother after childbirth and newlyweds for fertility is a common sight in my middle-class Punjabi neighborhood in Delhi. One can not ignore their sexy moves and the choice of raunchy songs at such festivities. And now one can often see ‘hijras’ begging at traffic signals and railway stations. They are revered and have divine sanction in Hindu religion, and people seek their blessings. Indian epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana are full of references to Hijras and Kinnars. The union of Lord Shiva and Parvati resulted in the formation of Ardhnarishwar … Continue reading Hijras: Looking for Respect