While they often perform at events and bless babies, they also struggle to find secure employment, and many make a living through unsafe sex work. This leaves them both extremely visible and eternally invisible. While this categorisation provides certain safeties, the community are socially excluded and kept on the extreme margins of society.
The West may group these women as transgender, intersex, or as castrated men, but in South Asia, the Hijra have been historically categorised as a third gender. One such culture and community are the Hijras in South Asia. While communities around the world may use different terminology, gender-variance has long existed, persisted, and thrived. After all, trans and non-binary identities are not new or unique to any one demographic. This helps us recognise and unlearn Eurocentric understanding of gender, to understand the long-lasting impacts of colonialism on citizens of post-colonial countries, and to challenge ongoing racial injustices worldwide.
It’s also crucial for Western communities to broaden our understanding of trans identities on a global scale. Or learn about the history of Berlin’s Institute of Sexology, one of the first institutes in the world to offer gender-affirming surgeries to trans patients. Explore the very common misconception that all trans people have had, or must undergo, surgery in order to be valid in their identity. Hear from trans couple, Jack and Hannah Graf, about their journey into parenthood. This year, we’re spotlighting a range of trans stories from the UK and beyond. We can only do this by listening directly to trans and non-binary voices, and by learning about our history. When learning about trans and non-binary experiences, it’s important to understand the diversity of this community. Visibility allows community to bloom, and for people with shared lived experiences to form bonds across borders.
Without exposure to others who think, feel, and live in a similar way to us – especially for those who exist outside of society’s norms – we can feel lost and alone. It also provides an opportunity for trans and non-binary people to feel seen through positive and realistic representation – and for allies to learn more about how they can stand in solidarity. It marks a time to celebrate trans and non-binary people, and to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the community worldwide. Blog Faith & religion International Trans Day of Visibility takes place every 31 March.
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