Sion hospital study peeps into eunuch psyche

A unique scientific study on the hijra (eunuch) community is underway at the psychiatry department of Sion hospital. It aims to explore gender identity disorder (GID) in the Indian context and focus on how GID in Indian culture has evolved to form a unique hijra subculture.      

“The eunuch community is very unique in the Indian context since the times of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is accepted as a part of our culture even if it is sidelined to a great extent,” said Dr Gurvinder Kalra, assistant professor in the department.    

Kalra has been interviewing hijras for the past two months trying to understand their psychological aspects and culture.

Most of them are cases of GID and have migrated from other parts of the country, while others have entered the community for economic reasons. “Hijras may be men believing that they are a women trapped in a man’s body, a feeling which they develop during childhood,” said Kalra, who advises parents of children with GID to be sensitive to them (see box).  

Kalra explains how migration is helping hijras express their identities, something which in the long run would lead to evolution of diverse sexualities. “In an urban set up like Mumbai they have anonymity which facilitates their sexual experience and lets them be themselves,” he explained.  

Kalra has even encountered a qualified paramedic from rural Andhra Pradesh who chose to join the community. “It’s more important for him to be himself.” 

Dr Nilesh Shah, head of psychiatry, Sion hospital, said, “We are also trying to counsel the hijras who come to us stating that it’s possible for them to integrate with the society.”

However, Laxmi Tripathi, a transgender activist, said, “I don’t really know how the research will benefit the community. There have been many research studies on us in the past. A holistic approach should be taken.”