MAHOOR HAYA SHAH
Welcome to the world: pink or blue, no substitutions! The world seems to be divided into pink and blue in cast iron. There exists a spectrum or should I say binary of identities that defy categorization. We live in a seemingly modern, fast-paced, and hyperactive world but at what cost? Are we really modern? What is modernity in a real sense? Do we deserve to be called humans at the very first place…I speculate! The third gender, a community often misunderstood and marginalized attests to the fluidity of human form and diversity. Why would they be judged, disrespected, or given flak for something they didn’t even choose for themselves? Instead of accepting them as one more gender, one more creation of the Lord, and celebrating them for their uniqueness, why are they subjected to a relentless barrage of prejudice and discrimination with a heart of stone? Or are we by these biased acts trying to document it as our Lord’s mistake in creation? No, He didn’t and can’t slip up…It is the sheer ignorance of all of you who have forgotten to fear the Lord! And by bullying such people aren’t you just testifying your ignorance? Yes! You are!
The other day I boarded a bus, a seemingly ordinary commute, only to become an unwilling witness to a disturbing demonstration of cruelty. A group of college girls were in the bus, one of them sitting next to me …their abhorrent laughter and snide remarks echoed through the vehicle…And the joke?? A third gender standing in the bus. Their comments were cutting, their laughter tinged with malice. It was a stark aide-mémoire of the prejudice, stupidity, and ignorance that continues to plague our society.
Such incidents are not isolated occurrences; they are a reflection of a larger societal malaise. The ease with which people inflict pain on others, especially those who are different, is alarming. It is as if empathy has become a thing of the past.
The third gender, a community already marginalized, finds itself at the receiving end of this cruelty. Public spaces, meant to be inclusive, become arenas of humiliation for the third gender. Buses, roads, and markets transform into hostile territories where they are subjected to intransigent scrutiny and abuse. Just their presence anywhere becomes a gauntlet of derogatory remarks and invasive stares. While some make it to evil laughing, some go a step further and assault them verbally and indirectly and others are brazen enough to say the most illogical, made-up, and insensitive words carrying the weight of societal rejection onto their faces!
And social media too has no mercy for them. The digital age, intended to bridge divides, has instead become a platform for amplifying prejudice. Social media, a space for expression and connection, has turned into a breeding ground for hate speech and cyberbullying targeting the third gender. A deluge of trolls and a torrent of abuse can be found on the internet against them, further marginalizing an already vulnerable community.
A study of more than 4,464 adolescents in Illinois has found that young people with diverse gender identities may be bullied and victimized up to three times more often than peers who identify as male or female. The constant rejection, isolation, and humiliation can lead to severe mental health issues, often culminating in the tragic act of suicide.
The National Transgender Discrimination Survey conducted in the United States revealed high rates of violence, harassment, and discrimination among transgender individuals, which are associated with an increased risk of suicide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the disproportionate health risks faced by transgender people, including mental health issues and suicide.
While concrete data on suicide rates within the third-gender community in Kashmir is scarce due to underreporting and social stigma, all of us are aware of anecdotal evidence which proves a disproportionately high number of suicides. These individuals, denied acceptance and basic human dignity, often find themselves trapped in a world of despair, with no apparent escape.
The lack of understanding and support systems exacerbates the problem. Many fear coming out about their gender identity due to the potential consequences, leading to a life lived in secrecy and isolation. This profound loneliness, coupled with the weight of societal rejection, can be overwhelming.
It is imperative to recognize that gender identity is not a choice. It is an intrinsic part of a person’s being, as fundamental as their sexuality or ethnicity. To bully someone for something they cannot change is not only cruel but also ignorant. It reflects a society still grappling with the complexities of human identity.
Kashmir’s third-gender community is caught in a double bind: rejected by their families and communities, and ostracised by a society that refuses to acknowledge their existence. Their struggle is a stark reminder that the battle for equality and acceptance is far from over. It is imperative that we shift our perspective, challenge societal norms, and create a Kashmir and above all, a world where everyone feels safe and respected, irrespective of their gender identity.
This requires a shift in mindset, a willingness to challenge stereotypes, and a commitment to education–education in the real sense (those college girls were not educated). By fostering empathy and understanding, we can create a society where the third gender is tolerated and celebrated.
It is time to break free from the shackles of binary thinking. The third gender deserves our respect, our support, and our belief in their right to exist authentically. Let us strive for a future where everyone can live without fear, where identity is celebrated, and where diversity is considered beautiful and a source of strength.
