Indians campaign for 'third sex'

Melbourne Community Voice, Australia
Wednesday, 28 January 2009 16:13

While the status of India's transgender community remains low, a public interest litigation (PIL) petition currently before India's Supreme Court could pave the way for official recognition of a third sex, according to campaigners for the country's eunuchs.

If successful, gender boxes on government forms could be ticked male, female or 'kinnar', the word India's estimated 1.5 million eunuchs use to describe themselves.

Eunuchs once enjoyed a proud place in Indian society, with many rising to position of power and gaining trusted positions in royal courts.

Today, London's Daily Telegraph reports, most eunuchs – born with 'deformed genitals', and later castrated – say they suffer serious discrimination, and are denied equal opportunities in employment and education.

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