Gujarat- based eunuchs want their chance in society

We are unable to file a police complaint, thanks to their harassment, unwanted demands and the sheer reason of us being transgender or Hijras. We feel as if we are an invisible community. We are treated like terrorists each time we clap our hands or walk on the streets or travel in a bus...

This was just a sampling of what was said at a public hearing held in the city on Friday, where members of the transgender or Hijra community spoke about their issues, identity crisis and demands and sought solutions for them from government and society at large.

Members and leaders from various trusts like Lakshya Trust, Chuval Gram Vikas Trust, Gujarat State AIDS Control Society and more were present at the event that was organised by Article 39, a division of the Center for Legal Aid and Rights and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Jury members present at the hearing prepared recommendations as voiced by the communities during the daylong hearing which was the second one after the first in Mumbai. The recommendations will be put before the government with a request that they be considered seriously.