Transgendered People Traveling in India: What to Expect?

Cayle

Probably nothing. I saw a LOT of Hijaras when I lived in B'Lore and was never once asked to give anything. They seemed to ignore me as a foreigner. Then again, the „auspicious to be blessed by a hijara“ has a dark flip side. Working class Indians greatly fear the supposed black magic powers of hijaras and don’t want to be cursed by one. They also have a reputation as prostitutes.

I’d suggest keeping your transgender status secret and stick to having the “rich, white, foreigner” bonus.

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palerider

I experienced Hijaras on a few trains. Only once did they ask for money, usually I said I didn't understand, or someone else jumped in to defend me. It's a strange situation.
In Australia, I have about eight friends who are post-op. My sister was until she died a few years ago.
I think, in India, you will be seen as a big white girl, not a tranny, unless you're very "springable", which I don't think you look at all.
Just put on your best shopping voice, and go for it.
To many unworldly Indian people, we are just freaks.
A lot of people can't understand the concept of travel for travel's sake. It's changing rapidly, but in rural areas, away from the tourist places, they think it's a bit strange.
I've been to villages, where the kids and adults alike stare at everything I do.
It's just curiosity, like when i saw my first black person.

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goldboy

Not that i have any experience in the particulars of this matter, but i would suggest simply dressing modestly as i would suggest most white women to do on their first trip at least.

You will get stared at, you will get unwanted attention, just like most white female travelers. Rest assured though, there is very, very rarely any case of violence on the part of the locals. If you simply dress unobtrusively (shoulders covered, modest clothing, nothing tight) you can easily avoid unpleasant situations.

I am male but i spent 5 hours chain smoking outside a Delhi hotel one day (long story for another day) and was literally stared at by every man, woman, child and cow to walk by. It isn;t personal, simply curiosity. You will get used to it in no time.

hope this helps.


p.s a nice long stare back usually draws a smile and an end to the staring.

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PeakXV

Odd that the Mod squad hasn't delved into this clever, enticing thread title as of yet.... or have they?

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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

anna paradox

Oh dear I don't know who the Mod squad are, are they fundamentalists of some sort? I just joined IM yesterday.

Yes goldboy, i'm going to dress modestly (I always do). I only really like wearing empire dresses (bordering on bohemian) and will take a shawl for when I go into temples (to cover my shoulders)to be respectful. I guess wearing heels of any type will be useless (since i'll be going around HP) so will wear flat sandals.

I will practice staring at people this evening to get into the Indian mental concept (joking)

theyyamdancer

Hi, Peak - I am not moderately interested in non-modish moderation.


Mod Note:

I have slightly changed the title for better comprehension.

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PeakXV

No not at all, although they can alter their appearance as well sometimes. Which reminds me, has anybody heard from Charlene DD lately?

livinhimalayas

With an IPS officer who dresses up in sarees and calles himself radha being treated like a demigod, how can one say Indians do not accept cross dressing easily .
Wonder what happend to the guy or should I be saying gal anyway. Has anyone any idea. The last I heard of him was when he was being dragged to the courts by his wife.

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palerider

Big difference between a bloke in a saree, and a post operative transsexual.
There was also that foreign guy in Kerala who was seen as a female god, and worshipped as one. He was just a regular bloke from England or something.

Paleface

Must be - Interestingly there are numerous examples of males becoming female in Hindu mythology, but there are far fewer instances of women becoming men - not surprisingly eh!

e.g. Sakhi Bhava is a form of worship of Radha, Krishna’s consort, who is perceived as his shakti (energetic power). Men assume the character of Radha’s sakhi's (girl friends) and become to all intents and purposes - celibate women. Their aim is to be accepted as a genuine sakhi in a future life, and thus to enjoy a share of Krishna’s benevolence. I know several Sakhi's in the Goverdhan region, living as ascetics (one a brilliant Phd) and far from being ridiculed the Sakhi's are indeed praised, certaainly not to be confused with Hirja's.

Gender is ultimately dissolved and a non issue as Radha and Krishna are in fact inseparable, two aspects of the same being and the well known image of them intertwined expresses this.

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lara352

I know some people are doubting the authenticity of this thread and any form of trolling is frowned upon but for me the ensuing discussion from the original post has been very informative. I'm new to India and on both my recent trips I hadn't encountered hijra's. I'm constantly trying to feed my new habit of all things India - socially, culturally, politically and IM is a fantastic source.

Kingstonian

The Mod Squad are the IM moderators - list of names on the IM homepage.

Yes, all fundamentalists ... of some sort


(Peak - Charlene never left - she is always with us. Required reading for all new Mods - "How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love Charlene DD")

anna paradox

I think it's totally wrong that people are accusing me of being a troll - I saw some other posts here from other minorities (wondering about how they will be accepted in India) and they didn't get this reaction.

I think ANYONE who accuses me of being a troll is closed minded (those people should never have replied to this thread in the first place) - I took time to add my REAL photo and took time to say something on my profile.

I'm leaving here with positive energy, I learned alot about hijra/transgendered and what I can expect when I go to India so I thank the India experts immensely for taking the time to help me.

I actually know someone personally from India Mike (who has posted hundreds of messages here) and i've asked him just to let you know that i'am really transgendered and authentic (that person has saw photos of me when I was still male and knows everything about me).

If I need anymore general information I'll log in with an anonymous account and an anonymous photo.

Peace, respect and love to ALL.

Anna

rohit2travel

Hi Anna,
DOn't worry this is Fantastic forum see already you got so much info about what you asked,as i suggested you, can also discuss about your tour over her, India mike is best site for this, you will get lovely guidelines, if you would be missing something you can and that in your list with good discussion over here

All over here are with very welcoming, be optimistic you will find some time different opinion

Take care and enjoy your stay

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anna paradox

Thanks Rohit for telling the doubters that i'm genuine (some people think i'm not real).

I've decided to leave IM which sucks as it's a great site but I don't want to be treated any differently than the others.