India’s landmark Supreme Court verdict on transgenders receives positive reaction on Twitter and Facebook

India's Supreme Court's decision to accept the transgender community as another gender is a landmark call, and one that is getting positive reactions from all around the world. On Tuesday, April 15, the verdict was announced which effectively allows them to make choose their gender identity as male, female or third gender.

The Center and States were also directed to take steps for bringing the community into the mainstream by providing adequate healthcare, education and employment. A bench of Justices KS Radhakrishnan and AK Sikri directed the government to take steps for granting recognition to transgenders as a separate third category of gender after male and female. The bench clarified that its verdict pertains only to eunuchs and not other sections of society like gay, lesbian and bisexuals who are also considered under the umbrella term 'transgender'. Read more on issue.

The decision has received quite a bit of traction online, allowing people on Twitter and Facebook to express their views and recognise the decision as one that will move India in the right direction.

Just in: In landmark Supreme Court ruling, transgenders to be recognised as third gender. Outstanding.

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) April 15, 2014

Good news for the #transgender community: The Supreme Court has recognised its rights as a separate gender.

— Pierre Fitter (@pierrefitter) April 15, 2014

Supreme Court of India's recognition of transgender people's rights is a progressive step towards inclusion and equality

— Amnesty India (@AIIndia) April 15, 2014

The Supreme Court recognizes Transgenders as a separate gender. Good progressive jugment, Bravo. Now strike down #377 next please

— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) April 15, 2014