THE Supreme Court has taken an enlightened step by acknowledging a third gender status for transgendered citizens. The court has declared that they should be given priority in education and employment and recognized their status as economically and socially backward. The Centre has to be the mover for change. States should work out welfare schemes, create special facilities and run awareness campaigns to remove the stigma attached to them. True, the Supreme Court has recently upheld the law to punish carnal intercourse against the order of nature which leads to harassment of LGBT citizens. The court acknowledged that Section 377 was also used by the police against transgendered citizens. It has however drawn a line between them and gay and bisexual individuals as regards constitutional rights against inequality in this sector. In 2005, the Centre introduced the E category for eunuchs in passport forms and other documents. The Election Commission (EC) and Aadhar have special categorization for them.
Whatever legislation is enacted, policy action is necessary to fight discrimination against and violence on transgendered citizens. They should be given their due in health care, housing and workplace opportunities. The long-lasting prejudice against them has to be whittled away. Only the court can protect such minority rights. But it is up to the government to implement the rulings of the court. State governments should set up departments to integrate transgendered citizens in society and promote their welfare. Decades of apathy must go. It is good that some light has already been seen. Recently in West Bengal, a transgendered citizen proved so popular as to be elected a legislator, which created a sensation.
