RESEARCH ESSAY - Psychological impact on Transgender people due to their gender identity - Sharanya Bhadekar & Sanika Pabalkar
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN INDIA DUE TO NON-ACCEPTANCE BY SOCIETY OF THEIR GENDER IDENTITY
INTRODUCTION:
This essay aims to understand how the non- conforming gender status of transgender people, by the society, sets forth the process of their alienation and pushes them towards a life of social exclusion and isolation. This not only compels them to leave the security of their homes but also leads them to be excluded from effectively participating in social and cultural life, thus impacting them mentally.
In this context the paper attempts to explore:
• Impact of awareness and acceptance of sexual deviance by the society
• Repercussions of social exclusion by family and society and
• Psychological Impact on transgender people due to social exclusion and isolation.
The transgender community in India commonly referred to as “Hijras” is estimated to be at 4.88 lakh as per Census 2011. “Transgender” signifies those “individuals who are different in their biological constructions.” (Hotchandani.K.R, 2004, p. 73), which is at variance of the societal understanding of gender, which is either –male and female. This non acceptance of the sexual deviation of the transgender population by the society subjects them to stigma and discrimination from the various quarters of the society, pushing them to survive in a marginalized manner.
IMPACT OF AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF SEXUAL DEVIANCE BY THE SOCIETY
As the society is unable to place them into either male or female gender categories, Transgender face extreme discrimination in social, medical and legal settings such as health, housing, education, employment and immigration. This results in many concerns/issues including feelings of low self-esteem, isolation, and hopelessness. Further, violence against transgender, especially Transgender sex workers, is often brutal, and occurs in public spaces, police stations, prisons, and their homes.
Transgender people are often socially ostracized at a very young age even as they are becoming aware of their changing sexuality which is during their adolescence. While trying hard to accept their sexual variance and the consequent feeling of fear, shame and confusion, the additional social cultural dimensions compounds the situation as they are often derived of their reliable social support systems. As noted in many studies they “are forced out of their homes or chose to leave home because of parental rejection or fear of rejection, increasing their risk of homelessness, poverty, and associated negative sequelae” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6)
A family who bears a Hijra/Transgender child loses its status in the society. The siblings of such children are disqualified for marriage or had to face extreme trouble to get married. As a result, their families and relatives abandon them and leave them on their fate. These young Transgender not only suffer loss of home but they also suffer loss of education, appropriate socialization, job/employment opportunities and support from anyone in the society. They also find it difficult to get a house on rent, and frequently change their residence.
Family rejection and eviction forces them to identify alternate support mechanisms within the parallel societal structures set up by their transgender community. However here too they lead a traumatic life where their only means to survive is either begging or prostitution. Transgender also face rejection in public forums such as trans-phobic comments, bullying and name-calling, harassment & discrimination as well as intimidation on streets and outside their homes. This discriminatory attitude is extremely invasive and destructive for their mental health, “leading to depression, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, psychological distress, body image disturbance and eating disorders.” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6)
REPERCUSSIONS OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION BY FAMILY AND SOCIETY
• Lack of access to education and livelihood:
The non-acceptance of the gender variance of the transgender people not only deprives them of their basic rights in the society but also enhances their vulnerability at all levels, due to stigma and discrimination. This “extreme social exclusion, discrimination, stigma and atrocities diminish self-esteem and sense of social responsibility” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6). One of the most common fallout on the community is the lack of access to proper education and consequently a dignified livelihood. A lot of them dropout of schools due to being ill-treated by fellow students or even the teachers and the lack of reinforcement by the families too becomes a major deterrent for them to continue their studies. This makes it difficult for them to get jobs and a few who do get are often deprived of job opportunities due to societal prejudice.“Discrimination and non-friendly environment at work place force them to take up begging and prostitution for their livelihood.” (Math SB, Seshadri SP,2013, p. 4-6)
• Lack of access to legal rights:
Further the exclusion from their families also results in depriving them fromtheir social support mechanisms and also their inheritance including property.The stigma from the society also prevents their access to public spacesincluding hotels, hospitals, cinema halls, and government offices. Thus, “theybecome more vulnerable towards physical and verbal abuse, forced sex,extortion of money and materials; and arrests on false allegations”(Chakrapani Venkatesan, 2010, p 8) by the police. Further being disowned bytheir biological parents, the transgender community is often challenged by thecumbersome procedures required for obtaining official documents including
Aadhar, voting and pan cards. A very small percentage, who are supported through collective mechanisms are being able to avail the same.
• Lack of accessibility and denial to health services:
There are multiple factors including the lack Transgender people face unique barriers when accessing public or private health services, which have been well documented. The lack of livelihood options that often increases the vulnerability of the transgender community towards health risks including HIV and other STIs. However here too they become subject to discrimination healthcare providers rarely had the opportunity to understand the sexual diversities and they do not have adequate knowledge about the health issues of sexual minorities. As a consequence they are subjected to verbal harassment and even denial of medical services.
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON TRANSGENDER PEOPLE DUE TO SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND ISOLATION
“Few existing studies examine the mental health of the Hijra population, despite data from several meta-analyses demonstrating that LGBT populations, like the Hijra, have a higher prevalence of mental health issues compared with their heterosexual counterparts” (Jayadeva, Vikas, 2017, P. 7-9). A study indicates that “Transgender face more psychological problems and social exclusion is one of the most important one.” (Sivakami, Sridevi, K.V. Veena, 2011, P. 91-93), The exclusion first by their families and then the society impacts them emotionally and also has severe repercussions on their health. The paper states that “transgender community is highly vulnerable to a host of psychological problems including depression, bipolar affective disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders (PT&D), alienation and suicidality in addition to multiple health problems including drug and alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS & STD.” (Sivakami, Sridevi, K.V. Veena, 2011, P. 91-93)
Further an article states that “family pressures to conform to gender norms, coming to terms with sexual identity and orientation, and migration to cities with strong hijra communities, poor self- and social acceptance as a teenager, traumatic transitions, and physical, verbal, and sexual abuse from family and law enforcement were also major stressors.” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6). As stated by Mr. V. Chakrapani, the margination of the community from educational institutions and political participation as well as the barriers they face in meeting their basic needs “is extremely invasive and destructive for their mental health and has created a strong sense of loneliness”. (Chakrapani Venkatesan, 2010, p8)
Alcohol and substance use among Hijras/TG communities is an additional factor that also affects them mentally. As stated by Mr. Suresh Bada Math and Shekhar P Sheshadri “They use highly addictive substances more frequently to overcome their sorrows and have more sexual partners than their heterosexual counterparts. Heavy alcohol drinking and use of drugs remain a significant public health problem in this population.” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6)
CONCLUSION
Non-acceptability and alienation from society make transgender extremely vulnerable. The social exclusion process begins from an early age when they are alienated by their families who fear losing out their status in the society. These Transgender not only suffer loss of home but they also suffer loss of education, appropriate socialization, job/employment opportunities and support from anyone in the society which leaves them with no option. This social isolation and deprivation of their rights affects them mentally and physically as most mentioned they felt sad, lonely depressed and even expressed their desire to die. As per a study “the suicide attempt rate among transgender persons ranges from 32% to 50% across the countries.” (Virupaksha, H.G. ,2016, p 505-509). One way to overcome this situation is the empowerment of the community, who could push for their acceptance within the society. Efforts have been initiated in this direction with the historic Supreme Court judgement issued in 2014, which has given recognition to the community for safe-guarding their rights under the constitution and the laws made by the parliament and the state legislature.
REFERENCES
Sivakami, Sridevi, P.L. and K.V. Veena. “Social exclusion has negative impact on the health of transgender.” Int. Res. J. Golden Res. (2011): 91-93.
Math SB, Seshadri SP. “The invisible ones: Sexual minorities.” Indian J Med Res. (2013); 137: 4-6
Hotchandani, K.R. “Problems of transgender in India: A study from social exclusion to social inclusion.” Academia.edu. (April 2014): 73-80.
Jayadeva, Vikas. “Understanding the mental health of hijra women of India.” Ajp.psychiatryonline.org. (May 2017): 7-9, doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2017.120504
Virupaksha, H.G. “Suicide & suicidal behaviour among Transgender Persons.” Indian Journal of psychological medicine. (November 2016); 38(6): 505-509, doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.194908
Chakrapani Venkatesan, “hijras/transgender women in india: hiv, human rights an social exclusion” TG Issue Brief, UNDP (December, 2010);
INTRODUCTION:
This essay aims to understand how the non- conforming gender status of transgender people, by the society, sets forth the process of their alienation and pushes them towards a life of social exclusion and isolation. This not only compels them to leave the security of their homes but also leads them to be excluded from effectively participating in social and cultural life, thus impacting them mentally.
In this context the paper attempts to explore:
• Impact of awareness and acceptance of sexual deviance by the society
• Repercussions of social exclusion by family and society and
• Psychological Impact on transgender people due to social exclusion and isolation.
The transgender community in India commonly referred to as “Hijras” is estimated to be at 4.88 lakh as per Census 2011. “Transgender” signifies those “individuals who are different in their biological constructions.” (Hotchandani.K.R, 2004, p. 73), which is at variance of the societal understanding of gender, which is either –male and female. This non acceptance of the sexual deviation of the transgender population by the society subjects them to stigma and discrimination from the various quarters of the society, pushing them to survive in a marginalized manner.
IMPACT OF AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF SEXUAL DEVIANCE BY THE SOCIETY
As the society is unable to place them into either male or female gender categories, Transgender face extreme discrimination in social, medical and legal settings such as health, housing, education, employment and immigration. This results in many concerns/issues including feelings of low self-esteem, isolation, and hopelessness. Further, violence against transgender, especially Transgender sex workers, is often brutal, and occurs in public spaces, police stations, prisons, and their homes.
Transgender people are often socially ostracized at a very young age even as they are becoming aware of their changing sexuality which is during their adolescence. While trying hard to accept their sexual variance and the consequent feeling of fear, shame and confusion, the additional social cultural dimensions compounds the situation as they are often derived of their reliable social support systems. As noted in many studies they “are forced out of their homes or chose to leave home because of parental rejection or fear of rejection, increasing their risk of homelessness, poverty, and associated negative sequelae” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6)
A family who bears a Hijra/Transgender child loses its status in the society. The siblings of such children are disqualified for marriage or had to face extreme trouble to get married. As a result, their families and relatives abandon them and leave them on their fate. These young Transgender not only suffer loss of home but they also suffer loss of education, appropriate socialization, job/employment opportunities and support from anyone in the society. They also find it difficult to get a house on rent, and frequently change their residence.
Family rejection and eviction forces them to identify alternate support mechanisms within the parallel societal structures set up by their transgender community. However here too they lead a traumatic life where their only means to survive is either begging or prostitution. Transgender also face rejection in public forums such as trans-phobic comments, bullying and name-calling, harassment & discrimination as well as intimidation on streets and outside their homes. This discriminatory attitude is extremely invasive and destructive for their mental health, “leading to depression, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, psychological distress, body image disturbance and eating disorders.” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6)
REPERCUSSIONS OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION BY FAMILY AND SOCIETY
• Lack of access to education and livelihood:
The non-acceptance of the gender variance of the transgender people not only deprives them of their basic rights in the society but also enhances their vulnerability at all levels, due to stigma and discrimination. This “extreme social exclusion, discrimination, stigma and atrocities diminish self-esteem and sense of social responsibility” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6). One of the most common fallout on the community is the lack of access to proper education and consequently a dignified livelihood. A lot of them dropout of schools due to being ill-treated by fellow students or even the teachers and the lack of reinforcement by the families too becomes a major deterrent for them to continue their studies. This makes it difficult for them to get jobs and a few who do get are often deprived of job opportunities due to societal prejudice.“Discrimination and non-friendly environment at work place force them to take up begging and prostitution for their livelihood.” (Math SB, Seshadri SP,2013, p. 4-6)
• Lack of access to legal rights:
Further the exclusion from their families also results in depriving them fromtheir social support mechanisms and also their inheritance including property.The stigma from the society also prevents their access to public spacesincluding hotels, hospitals, cinema halls, and government offices. Thus, “theybecome more vulnerable towards physical and verbal abuse, forced sex,extortion of money and materials; and arrests on false allegations”(Chakrapani Venkatesan, 2010, p 8) by the police. Further being disowned bytheir biological parents, the transgender community is often challenged by thecumbersome procedures required for obtaining official documents including
Aadhar, voting and pan cards. A very small percentage, who are supported through collective mechanisms are being able to avail the same.
• Lack of accessibility and denial to health services:
There are multiple factors including the lack Transgender people face unique barriers when accessing public or private health services, which have been well documented. The lack of livelihood options that often increases the vulnerability of the transgender community towards health risks including HIV and other STIs. However here too they become subject to discrimination healthcare providers rarely had the opportunity to understand the sexual diversities and they do not have adequate knowledge about the health issues of sexual minorities. As a consequence they are subjected to verbal harassment and even denial of medical services.
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON TRANSGENDER PEOPLE DUE TO SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND ISOLATION
“Few existing studies examine the mental health of the Hijra population, despite data from several meta-analyses demonstrating that LGBT populations, like the Hijra, have a higher prevalence of mental health issues compared with their heterosexual counterparts” (Jayadeva, Vikas, 2017, P. 7-9). A study indicates that “Transgender face more psychological problems and social exclusion is one of the most important one.” (Sivakami, Sridevi, K.V. Veena, 2011, P. 91-93), The exclusion first by their families and then the society impacts them emotionally and also has severe repercussions on their health. The paper states that “transgender community is highly vulnerable to a host of psychological problems including depression, bipolar affective disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders (PT&D), alienation and suicidality in addition to multiple health problems including drug and alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS & STD.” (Sivakami, Sridevi, K.V. Veena, 2011, P. 91-93)
Further an article states that “family pressures to conform to gender norms, coming to terms with sexual identity and orientation, and migration to cities with strong hijra communities, poor self- and social acceptance as a teenager, traumatic transitions, and physical, verbal, and sexual abuse from family and law enforcement were also major stressors.” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6). As stated by Mr. V. Chakrapani, the margination of the community from educational institutions and political participation as well as the barriers they face in meeting their basic needs “is extremely invasive and destructive for their mental health and has created a strong sense of loneliness”. (Chakrapani Venkatesan, 2010, p8)
Alcohol and substance use among Hijras/TG communities is an additional factor that also affects them mentally. As stated by Mr. Suresh Bada Math and Shekhar P Sheshadri “They use highly addictive substances more frequently to overcome their sorrows and have more sexual partners than their heterosexual counterparts. Heavy alcohol drinking and use of drugs remain a significant public health problem in this population.” (Math SB, Seshadri SP, 2013, p. 4-6)
CONCLUSION
Non-acceptability and alienation from society make transgender extremely vulnerable. The social exclusion process begins from an early age when they are alienated by their families who fear losing out their status in the society. These Transgender not only suffer loss of home but they also suffer loss of education, appropriate socialization, job/employment opportunities and support from anyone in the society which leaves them with no option. This social isolation and deprivation of their rights affects them mentally and physically as most mentioned they felt sad, lonely depressed and even expressed their desire to die. As per a study “the suicide attempt rate among transgender persons ranges from 32% to 50% across the countries.” (Virupaksha, H.G. ,2016, p 505-509). One way to overcome this situation is the empowerment of the community, who could push for their acceptance within the society. Efforts have been initiated in this direction with the historic Supreme Court judgement issued in 2014, which has given recognition to the community for safe-guarding their rights under the constitution and the laws made by the parliament and the state legislature.
REFERENCES
Sivakami, Sridevi, P.L. and K.V. Veena. “Social exclusion has negative impact on the health of transgender.” Int. Res. J. Golden Res. (2011): 91-93.
Math SB, Seshadri SP. “The invisible ones: Sexual minorities.” Indian J Med Res. (2013); 137: 4-6
Hotchandani, K.R. “Problems of transgender in India: A study from social exclusion to social inclusion.” Academia.edu. (April 2014): 73-80.
Jayadeva, Vikas. “Understanding the mental health of hijra women of India.” Ajp.psychiatryonline.org. (May 2017): 7-9, doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2017.120504
Virupaksha, H.G. “Suicide & suicidal behaviour among Transgender Persons.” Indian Journal of psychological medicine. (November 2016); 38(6): 505-509, doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.194908
Chakrapani Venkatesan, “hijras/transgender women in india: hiv, human rights an social exclusion” TG Issue Brief, UNDP (December, 2010);
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