Blurring gender divides

In the wee hours of the morning, you’ll find them dressed to the hilt, boots and all

The transgender community turned up in full force at the recent gay pride march, but they keep a low profile in the city. However, if you happen to be walking down some of our roads in the wee hours of the morning you’ll find them dressed to the hilt, boots and all. 

A number of them are into prostitution, others find shelter in the dark night, away from judgemental eyes. Anita, a young, pretty girl, believes she is trapped in a man’s body.
She says, “I have been in this business for the last two years.  I don’t come from a very well-to-do family, and my parents aren’t very understanding. So, this as the only alternative left for me.” There are around 50 transgenders who roam the streets of  Bandra at night. They say that there are more than 250 of them in the city. For these people, looking like a woman is very important. Those who can afford it have opted for breast enhancements. Anita adds, “It’s also a business investment.” But behind those painted faces and the matter-of-fact statements, there is angst and pain. Though they claim to have a union, many newcomers aren’t aware of its existence.

Dolly, who is a eunuch, says, “Cops are a major problem. Though we give them money on a monthly basis, they still harass us. It’s also difficult handling drunk customers, who assault us, or threaten us with knives or guns.”  Their rates vary from customer to customer, and can be anything between Rs500 and Rs2,500 for 30 minutes. But often, they come back empty handed, with a few new scars to show for their efforts. Dolly adds, “We use contraceptives.” Few have made any future plans. Anita says, “We all want to be loved, and to be in love, but it’s not in our destiny.”
p_sugandha@dnaindia.net