Talking about transgender, first we have to know who are transgender and why they need legal recognition in our society.

According to National Cancer Institute :- “A term that describes a person whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a transgender person who was assigned female at birth may identify as male, a combination of male and female, or neither.”

Transgender in History:- There are so many dynasty and even civilization have many evidence regarding transgender. India have a record history of more than 4000 years. The Concept ‘Napunsaka’ has also been an fundamental part of vedic literatures.

• In Hindu mythology, Mohini, the feminine version of the deity Vishnu is the first transgender figure mentioned
• In Mahabharata, Brihannala , who is Arjun as a dance teacher, also a transgender.
• Again in the Mahabharata, Shikhandini, recarnation of princess Amba also a transgender.
• In the medieval India, Transgender also played a prominent role in the royal courts of the Islamic world, especially in the Ottaman empires and the Mughal rule.

Why need of legal recognition:- There are so many challenges are faces by a transgender some of them are below,

1. Discrimination in Public Places:- Transgender community is highly discriminate. Majority of this community is illiterate or less educated due to which they are not able to fully participate in social, cultural, political or other activities. Main reasons behind the low education of this community is exclusion from family, society, poverty, social rejection and discrimination, insensitive attitude of teachers and other staff, violence and sexual abuse. Because of gender non-conforming they rejected from educational system, they faces rejection from there own religion or other public places like toilets, Even though, there are no separate toilet facilities for transgender persons; they have to use male toilets where they are prone to sexual assault and harassment.
2. Multiple Ignorance:- transgender people have relatively little control over their lives and are often receiving negative public attitudes. They individuals may experience multiple forms of ignorance in the name of racism, sexism, poverty or other factors, like in education, public places such as theatres, malls etc. They are denied access to public toilets, religious places etc., hence they face rampant discrimination in almost every field.
3. Lack of Opportunities:- Because of low literacy rate, social rejection, discrimination, transgender community have very little opportunities. That are responsible for their Lack of knowledge and self confidence
4. Psychological conditions:- Transgender people face discrimination, harassment, no self-confidence, no family support, facing physical abuses, verbal abuse in daily basis. Because of that they live in psychological distress. These emotions might comprise deep sadness, anxiety, discomfort in social situations.

Legal Recognition/Provisions in the Constitution protecting transgender rights include;

• Right to Equality(Article 14),
• Prohibition of Discrimination on various grounds, including gender(Article 15)
• Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19)
• Right to life and personal liberty (Article 21)

Other Laws;

• Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020,
• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
• SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
• NALSA- In 2014, the Supreme Court identified the rights of the transgender community as a “third gender”. This case paved the way for transgender persons with the right to choose their gender identity and live their life with dignity.

Conclusion:- India is recognised as a diversity symbol of religion, heritages, temple sculptures, mythology etc , but it could be concluded that transgender community in India today face intolerance, discrimination , harassment and violence. Yes, Indian government makes many laws for protecting transgender community, but these law not execute properly. We need to awake society, and teach them that transgenders are also human, they also need families, protection, economic opportunities etc. Good news is that we have made positive changes compared to previous years.