{"id":2911,"date":"2020-07-24T21:37:01","date_gmt":"2020-07-24T21:37:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/?p=2911"},"modified":"2026-01-03T08:00:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T08:00:31","slug":"are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same","title":{"rendered":"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">Transgender is a very popular term around the globe. However, not everyone is adept at speaking English. When visiting other countries, it\u2019s wise to know the proper terminologies. This is to <strong>avoid confusion and other possible conundrums<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The UNTOLD STRUGGLES of India\u2019s HIJRA Community!\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Xyif6GdMSak?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">If you\u2019re planning to go to India to <a class=\"ek-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mytransgenderdate.com\/\">meet transgender women<\/a>; or simply communicate with <a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/ladyboys-in-india\">an Indian trans individual<\/a>, you first must know what <strong>the word <em>hijra<\/em><\/strong> truly means. Please don\u2019t use this word lightly because it may connote different meanings&nbsp;and not all of them dress as women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hijra definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">In this section, the meaning of the word will be explained in all aspects. From <strong>what it is<\/strong>, proper usage, its standing, and more. Furthermore, we\u2019re not only going to discuss <strong>the Indian hijra<\/strong>. This word is used in the whole Indian diaspora as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">A lot of countries in South Asia like Nepal, Bangladesh, and more, know what this word is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is hijra?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The word is a popular umbrella<\/strong> term that\u2019s used in the Indian subcontinent. It can refer to eunuchs, intersex, and transgender people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are recognized to belong in the <em>third <a href=\"https:\/\/mytransgenderdate.com\/blog\/2024\/11\/gender-expression-vs-gender-identity-the-nuances\">gender&nbsp;identity<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hijra-edited.jpg\" alt=\"An Hijra in a yellow sari with red embroidery stretches her arms open, smiling against a soft background of trees in the early morning light.\" class=\"wp-image-7593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hijra-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hijra-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hijra-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An Hijra in a yellow sari is doing yoga &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-woman-in-a-yellow-sari-is-doing-yoga-OHAO_STYlIY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unsplash.com<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">The word by definition is more relative to <a class=\"ek-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mytransgenderdate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/all-about-gender-non-conformity\/\">non-binary<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/mytransgenderdate.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/what-is-queer-and-are-you-one\">queer individuals<\/a>. However, it\u2019s a popular term used within the region in identifying transgender women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">They are not <strong>considered as completely female nor male.<\/strong> This may seem offensive in the west as transgender women should be properly addressed. However, in the south Asian region, the term rings more normalcy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The origin of hijra<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>They have existed since the ancient civilizations&nbsp;according to recorded history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This information comes from the ancient Indian Sanskrit text on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>eroticism<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>sexuality<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>and emotional fulfillment<\/strong>; the Kama Sutra<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/status-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a statue depicting a woman with red lips and traditional adornments, showcasing detailed artistry.\" class=\"wp-image-7607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/status-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/status-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/status-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hijra in red and gold floral dress painting &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/woman-in-red-and-gold-floral-dress-painting-p4Uj_rZ2h14\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unsplash.com<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">Their (eunuchs) existence is celebrated in sacred Hindu texts such as the <strong>Kama Sutra and Mahabharata<\/strong>. They were also quite influential and held high positions in the Mughal courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">In ancient times, <strong>they belonged to a special caste<\/strong>. They were devotees of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Shiva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lord Shiva<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/vedicgoddess.weebly.com\/goddess-vidya-blog\/devi-bahuchara-mata\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the mother goddess Bahuchara Mata<\/a>, or both. They were respected back in the day and it\u2019s the modern times (spread of Abrahamic religions) that have tainted their image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the region, Hijras are named differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some places, <strong>they are known as<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aruvani<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jagappa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chhakka <strong>(derogatory)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transsexual woman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transgender woman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trans woman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/ladyboy\">Ladyboy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/what-is-a-tranny-and-why-you-shouldnt-say-the-word\">Tranny<\/a> <strong>(derogatory)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/04\/what-is-a-shemale\">Shemale<\/a> <strong>(derogatory)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/what-is-a-newhalf\">Newhalf<\/a>&nbsp;<strong>(Japan)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/kathoey-aka-the-thai-ladyboy\">Kathoey<\/a>&nbsp;<strong>(Thailand)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/12\/waria-an-introduction-to-indonesian-ladyboys\">Waria<\/a>&nbsp;<strong>(Indonesia)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2021\/01\/are-bakla-and-ladyboy-the-same\">Bakla \/ Bayot<\/a>&nbsp;<strong>(Philippines)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mytransgenderdate.com\/blog\/2024\/11\/mahu-the-meaning-behind-the-hawaiian-gender\">M\u0101hu<\/a>&nbsp;<strong>(Hawaii)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Travesti&nbsp;<strong>(Latin America)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hijra and islam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">The influence of Hijra in spreading Islam from Mecca to Medina has nothing to do with <strong>the Indian third gender community<\/strong> from the ancient civilization of India. It is also not related with <a href=\"https:\/\/aau.ac.ae\/en\/blog\/how-and-why-did-the-hijiri-calendar-begin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Islamic Calendar called Hijri<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[[SIGNUP]]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Religion and hijras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lord Shiva<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lord Shiva has many forms. One of them is the merging with Parvati and together, they make Ardhanari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ardhanari is a god that\u2019s half Shiva and Parvati making him\/her <strong>half woman and half man<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Shiva-edited.jpg\" alt=\"A large statue of Lord Shiva seated in a meditative pose, holding a trident, with a mountainous background.\" class=\"wp-image-7589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Shiva-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Shiva-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Shiva-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Lord Shiva, Bangalore, Karnataka, India &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/kalyan\/235731672\/in\/photolist-mQbPb-Ba6ChR-2kVdack-2gz3xbT-2gs2brm-62THEk-u5ESiX-2kVAVBr-qjTgvF-6A3qUD-KCXotd-9Ca9XB-E6qhUM-4uC1Dv-exYCW-9onmEU-8irzWt-2gz3xNV-aG2z4v-7qHzE5-2gfUgsn-2kVCA45-24zuN6i-22zrzBa-2j8ex9e-2gffTR6-2gz3xK8-4mV78Q-2gz3sP1-2j8exaG-6Ax7wx-4rYDUc-2kVy4sB-2kVCA3d-2kVpuY4-7V8b8t-2kaCrmR-brsMvs-2gmBXrj-6Fx3YN-6NRwxv-8EAK1-6tFocp-2kVwVh8-GbWt8B-oLruPg-bEnXmg-66EzGc-4nNacs-24vNSLD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flickr.com<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Ardhanari is quite significant to them<\/strong> and is usually revered by people who identify with gender ambiguities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bahuchara Mata<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bahuchara Mata is a Hindu goddess. She has two unrelated stories that are both <strong>associated with transgender behavior<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first story is heer appearing in the avatar of a princess who <strong>castrated her husband<\/strong> as he would run in the woods and act like a woman rather than make love with her.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bahuchara-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Bahuchara on her cockerel vahana (mount), attended by Gorabhairava (the fair Bhairava) and Kalabhairava (the dark Bhairava). Mewar, circa 1820-40. Gouache on warqa. 13.1 x 10cm\" class=\"wp-image-7622\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bahuchara-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bahuchara-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bahuchara-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Bahuchara on her cockerel vahana &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Bahuchara.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wikimedia.org<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">The other story is a man trying to rape her which she cursed with impotence. When the man <strong>pleads for her forgiveness<\/strong>, she relents and agreed only if he runs in the woods and acts like a woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ramayana<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In other versions of the Ramayana, when Rama leaves Ayodhya for his exile of 14 years, his subjects follow him into the forest due to devotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rama notices them and gathers them around to tell them not to mourn. He said that <strong>all men and women of his kingdom<\/strong> shall return to their places in Ayodhya.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ramayana-edited.jpg\" alt=\"The Ramayana\" class=\"wp-image-7619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ramayana-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ramayana-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ramayana-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Ramayana &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/quinet\/53468593479\/in\/photolist-2psQw2n-2i8Hfzi-4nwqV2-2hxZgD1-vVCVDj-nHjjHq-kKZytZ-q3dbps-2h1mf7T-kL1o2H-WivSg2-VHbBmM-UqBGhC-MrFojB-bny1Nh-HrsbWb-MrFnY6-MrFoAt-YfztwN-5ZEEJZ-2kdDUXc-kKZuY2-QUmc-quCTRL-23eFJhV-EWHvmH-2hNb13v-2mvsvaw-2hMgKEp-pRxQ8-bnQCX9-2eoM62N-3d2r4d-sZZLr6-QUkZ-QUm7-QUm2-dnz4Zp-fZmcBD-2n2FKKu-QUm9-e11PW7-6Ar5au-QUma-MUSScY-iAXyH-QUmj-QUmb-2o4wWE-QUme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flickr.com<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">He then leaves and starts a 14-year adventure. After returning to Ayodhya, he finds the therm, <strong>being neither men nor women<\/strong>, have not moved from the place where he gave his speech. Impressed with their devotion, he grants them the boon to confer blessings on people during auspicious inaugural occasions such as weddings and childbirths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mahabharata<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mahabharata has an episode in which Arjuna, <strong>the hero of the epic<\/strong>, was sent into an exile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There, he assumed an identity of a eunuch-transvestite and performed rituals during childbirths and weddings which in today\u2019s world, are <strong>performed by Hijras<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mahabharata-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Stone relief depicting warriors from the Mahabharata at Angkor Wat, featuring detailed ancient carvings.\" class=\"wp-image-7603\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mahabharata-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mahabharata-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mahabharata-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Mahabharata Warriors at Angkor Wat &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/anandajoti\/8580589053\/in\/photolist-e5eLbz-2nTbpKJ-s3ubph-GaU8o-e5kpoy-e5eLy8-e5eMWM-2j6UGFe-aohxXU-aoeN7K-aohyqy-aoeMBp-aoeMEv-xGmkn-aohz4o-aoeNhr-aoXgdd-aoeNyr-xfbjQm-aohyQ3-e5eMBV-25JQ74J-5RSyGD-CsppQ4-cAT3U-5RWw5C-6Ax7wx-R1twwR-dKmTw4-245uEGG-4aj7CU-QQ1Wy8-4aj7C1-dKmV1Z-4aj7Jw-4aj7H9-2oNMNHe-CTV33u-26ZXEup-4af4uK-4aj7WN-4af4vR-4af4Kv-aCfGYa-4af4pH-4af4AM-92YsYn-4af4Gr-4aj7Gq-4aj7SW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flickr.com<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">In another episode, before <a href=\"https:\/\/vedicfeed.com\/18-days-of-the-mahabharata-war-summary-of-the-war\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Kurukshetra War<\/a>, Iravan offers his lifeblood to goddess Kali. This was done to ensure the victory of the Pandavas. Kali agrees and granted him power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">On the eve before the battle, Iravan shares a desire to <strong>get married before his death<\/strong>. No woman wanted to marry a man doomed to die in a few hours. Lord Krishna marries him in the form of a woman called Mohini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a transgender woman and hijra the same ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">As explained above, the word is <strong>an umbrella term<\/strong>. It may or may not pertain to a trans woman. However, if you happen to be in South Asia and are dealing with the language barrier, it\u2019s then that the word becomes handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">Should you <strong>address a trans woman <\/strong>of Indian descent in the west or if the person knows the difference between the 2 terms, please stick to using transgender woman or trans woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Today\u2019s hijra<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">They are quite different from what they used to be in ancient times. The majority of trans women who represents <strong>the Hijra community<\/strong> is unfortunately not given the opportunity to live a full life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\"><strong>A huge number of them<\/strong> today are if not street workers&nbsp;and in the line of the adult industry, beggars. Both the government and society are complicit in preventing them to live a life of dignity. This is made possible by the lack of opportunities in the workforce due to discrimination and hate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How hijras live<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plenty of them live in <strong>organized all-Hijra communities<\/strong>&nbsp;to escape persecution. These communities have been in existence for many generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Living in such a community may require the membre to <strong>undergo an initiation rite<\/strong>. Such rite is called <em>Nirwaan<\/em>; which entails the removal of the male genitalia, testicles, and scrotum.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Indian_trans_woman-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Hijra in elaborate red and gold attire on a fashion runway, with spectators in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-7611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Indian_trans_woman-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Indian_trans_woman-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Indian_trans_woman-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hijra standing in front of group of people. &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/woman-standing-in-front-of-group-of-people-Uzl-KYPAH44\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unsplash.com<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">These communities are often made up of groups. These groups are usually led by gurus <strong>who are <strong>third gender as well<\/strong><\/strong>. These gurus not only guide mentees. They also take a cut from their earnings; be it from begging or street walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">Furthermore, these communities have developed <strong>their own language<\/strong>. It\u2019s called the Hijra Farsi and its creation\u2019s goal is for protection. It is a language that\u2019s based on <strong>the Hindustani language<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Struggles they face<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Red-light districts are quite abundant with them. This struggle started when the British came to power in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its influence was <strong>too strong<\/strong> that it tainted the respect that Indians had for the third gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">In 1897, British colonialists decided to pass a law that classified eunuchs as criminals. Violence against them, <strong>especially <strong>to the<\/strong> <strong>adult workers<\/strong><\/strong> became rampant in public places shortly after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">In today\u2019s world, <strong>they are still suffering<\/strong>. Gradual changes are happening in terms of inclusivity and acceptance. However, a huge number of the third gender is still unemployed and uneducated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">Apart from begging and street walking, most <strong>of them make money<\/strong> from being invited to bless celebrations such as births and marriages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hijra and the governments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal <strong>all legally accept them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Top_Four_Flags_Image_01.jpg\" alt=\"Flags of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal waving on flagpoles against a clear sky.\" class=\"wp-image-7626\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Top_Four_Flags_Image_01.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Top_Four_Flags_Image_01-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Top_Four_Flags_Image_01-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal flags. &#8211; AI generated<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In India and Nepal, the governments allow them to choose <strong>&#8220;third gender&#8221; as a marker in their passports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hijra celebrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Albeit <strong>the inequality and sadness<\/strong> that most commonly clouds their life, there are still reasons to celebrate.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Many_hands-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of hands with intricate henna patterns, showcasing traditional body art and festive attire.\" class=\"wp-image-7598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Many_hands-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Many_hands-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Many_hands-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hijras celebrating togetherness and tradition with intricate henna art. &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/people-hands-with-tattoes-gfVofr15ICc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unsplash.com<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>After all, ancient India is quite magical and this magic can\u2019t simply be taken away by <strong>modern oppression<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hijra habba<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">Similar to <a href=\"https:\/\/mytransgenderdate.com\/blog\/2020\/06\/pride-month-what-you-must-know\">the Pride Month<\/a> marches, <strong>it<\/strong> is done to celebrate, commemorate, and spread awareness. It&#8217;s not only attended and organized by people of the third gender. It\u2019s also made possible by other people from <a href=\"https:\/\/mytransgenderdate.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/what-is-lgbttqqiaap\">the LGBTQA+ community<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">This celebration often includes discussing the changes needed in education, policies, and communities. The Hijra Habba back in 2018 <strong>was quite memorable<\/strong> as it\u2019s celebrated in light of the Supreme Courte decriminalizing Section 377. This section used to criminalize people participating in gay love-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">Added to that, it is also a moment to <strong>spread awareness<\/strong>. Most especially about HIV, transgenderism, and deaths due to crimes driven by hate and discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Koovagam festival<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">Koovagam is a village located in Ulubdurpettai taluk. It\u2019s in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its yearly Koovagam festival; <strong>the celebration of Kinnars (Hijras)<\/strong> held in April or May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">This festivity is based on religion. On this special day of the month, <strong>participants marry Lord Koothandavar<\/strong>, thus reenacting an ancient history of Lord Vishnu\/Krishna who married him after taking a form of a woman named Mohini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">After the day of marriage, they mourn the god Koothandavar\u2019s death. This mourning is done through ritualistic danced and by breaking their bangles. Furthermore, <strong>beauty pageants and several competitions<\/strong> are also held which are usually participated by the third gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">In some seminars, basic rights and healthcare of <strong>transgender individuals<\/strong> are discussed. This festival causes quite a frenzy and is visited by a lot of tourists annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Famous hijra people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Laxmi Narayan Tripathi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most respected people in the community is activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She\u2019s from a Brahmin (a caste of priests, teachers, and protectors in India) family.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Laxmi_Narayan-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Laxmi Narayan Tripathi kneeling in orange clothing, pouring water onto a Shiva lingam.\" class=\"wp-image-6843\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Laxmi_Narayan-edited.jpg 960w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Laxmi_Narayan-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Laxmi_Narayan-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Laxmi Narayan Tripathi performs a religious ritual &#8211; Facebook <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/The.Laxmi.Narayan.Tripathi\/photos\/pb.100044524823446.-2207520000.\/2236882256335170\/?type=3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">@The.Laxmi.Narayan.Tripathi<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>She\u2019s also a transgender woman from Mumbai whose fights for <strong>Hijra and transgender rights<\/strong> propelled significant positive changes for the third gender in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Follow Laxmi Narayan Tripathi:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/laxmi.n.tripathi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/laxminarayan_tripathi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.threads.com\/@laxminarayan_tripathi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Threads<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read also: <a href=\"https:\/\/mytransgenderdate.com\/blog\/2024\/09\/laxmi-narayan-tripathis-brave-battle\">Laxmi Narayan Tripathi\u2019s Brave Battle<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Padmini Prakash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Padmini Prakash is a pioneering figure in the Indian media industry, making history as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-india-29357630\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the country&#8217;s first transgender news anchor<\/a>. She is also a social activist and has been actively advocating for the rights of transgender people in India.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Padmini_Prakash.jpg\" alt=\"Padmini Prakash in a green sari, seated in front of an Indian flag backdrop on a news set.\" class=\"wp-image-6845\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Padmini_Prakash.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Padmini_Prakash-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Padmini_Prakash-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Padmini Prakash presenting on Lotus News &#8211; Facebook <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Transwom\/photos\/pb.100063512029619.-2207520000.\/392052684278752\/?type=3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">@Transwom<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>With her work in the media, Padmini has become <strong>a role model and inspirational figure<\/strong> for many in the transgender community, helping to break down barriers and promote inclusiveness in a society that has long marginalized and discriminated against transgender individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She has been a strong voice in calling for <strong>equal rights and protections for transgender individuals<\/strong> and has worked tirelessly to help break down the stigma and ignorance surrounding transgender people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Padmini&#8217;s unwavering commitment to the cause has made her a trailblazer and an inspiration to many, and her work continues to have a lasting impact on the lives of transgender people in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Follow Padmini Prakash:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100004597124896\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dr.padminiprakash\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.threads.com\/@dr.padminiprakash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Threads<\/a> |\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@Dr.PadminiPrakashChannelo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Youtube<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to find them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">If you want to find them, your best bet is to <strong>visit India<\/strong>. Hijras have a very rich and astounding history. You can also strategically travel to India to celebrate the festivals listed above.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hands-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Hands with detailed henna patterns, symbolizing cultural celebration, held open with palms facing up.\" class=\"wp-image-7631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hands-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hands-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hands-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Detailed henna designs&nbsp;&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/persons-hands-with-mehndi-tattoos-e23HVQIGH6Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unsplash.com<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>You may also create an account on <strong>My Ladyboy Date<\/strong>, the first decent dating site for <a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/ladyboys-in-asia\">Asian ladyboys<\/a> and the men who love them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-justify\">Did you learn anything from this article? Kindly share it on your timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>We analyzed <a href=\"https:\/\/trends.google.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Trends data<\/a> to compare the popularity of various terms that refer to transgender women in Asia and in the world. <a href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/how-do-we-call-transgender-women-in-asia-and-around-the-world\">This is what we found out<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Transgender is a very popular term around the globe. However, not everyone is adept at speaking English. When visiting other countries, it\u2019s wise to know the proper terminologies. This is to avoid confusion and other possible conundrums. If you\u2019re planning to go to India to meet transgender women; or simply communicate with an Indian trans [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":9010,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[60,50],"class_list":["post-2911","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-informational","tag-faq","tag-featured"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced - My Ladyboy Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From ancient temples to modern-day marginalization, discover the real meaning and cultural weight of the word Hijra in South Asia.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced - My Ladyboy Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From ancient temples to modern-day marginalization, discover the real meaning and cultural weight of the word Hijra in South Asia.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"My Ladyboy Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/myladyboydate\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-07-24T21:37:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-03T08:00:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/x.com\/amandavdelacruz\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@MyLadyboyDate\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4a539c6eb4c5ea1eae736bc6f474722e\"},\"headline\":\"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-07-24T21:37:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-03T08:00:31+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same\"},\"wordCount\":2034,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"FAQ\",\"featured\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Informational\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same\",\"name\":\"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced - My Ladyboy Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-07-24T21:37:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-03T08:00:31+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4a539c6eb4c5ea1eae736bc6f474722e\"},\"description\":\"From ancient temples to modern-day marginalization, discover the real meaning and cultural weight of the word Hijra in South Asia.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg\",\"width\":800,\"height\":440},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"My Ladyboy Blog\",\"description\":\"The entertaining and informative blog on ladyboy \/ transgender topics\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4a539c6eb4c5ea1eae736bc6f474722e\",\"name\":\"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/127737b0600db04b2fa568a8b7c1625a7e6933ae1eb06d928597b09b45e597e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/127737b0600db04b2fa568a8b7c1625a7e6933ae1eb06d928597b09b45e597e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz\"},\"description\":\"Amanda Valentine is a transgender woman who has written about trans topics for over 10 years for My Transgender Date. She is an author who made it on Amazon\u2019s best-seller list by writing 5 books on trans women\u2019s relationships. Her book \u201cDating Transgender Women for Gentlemen\u201d peaked at #3 in the Transgender Studies category on Amazon. She started writing at the age of 10 and won a poetry contest in 4th grade which convinced her to pursue a career in literature. Her personal experiences as a transgender woman give her a unique perspective on trans topics.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/dtwfgbook.abramspublishinghouse.com\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/amandavdelacruz\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/amanda-valentine-dela-cruz-82b5641a6\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/https:\/\/x.com\/amandavdelacruz\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/author\/amanda\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced - My Ladyboy Blog","description":"From ancient temples to modern-day marginalization, discover the real meaning and cultural weight of the word Hijra in South Asia.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced - My Ladyboy Blog","og_description":"From ancient temples to modern-day marginalization, discover the real meaning and cultural weight of the word Hijra in South Asia.","og_url":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same","og_site_name":"My Ladyboy Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/myladyboydate","article_published_time":"2020-07-24T21:37:01+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-01-03T08:00:31+00:00","og_image":[{"width":800,"height":440,"url":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@https:\/\/x.com\/amandavdelacruz","twitter_site":"@MyLadyboyDate","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same"},"author":{"name":"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz","@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4a539c6eb4c5ea1eae736bc6f474722e"},"headline":"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced","datePublished":"2020-07-24T21:37:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-03T08:00:31+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same"},"wordCount":2034,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg","keywords":["FAQ","featured"],"articleSection":["Informational"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same","url":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same","name":"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced - My Ladyboy Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg","datePublished":"2020-07-24T21:37:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-03T08:00:31+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4a539c6eb4c5ea1eae736bc6f474722e"},"description":"From ancient temples to modern-day marginalization, discover the real meaning and cultural weight of the word Hijra in South Asia.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Thumbnail-EP-77.jpg","width":800,"height":440},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/are-the-hijra-and-transgender-woman-the-same#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Hijra \u2013 The Third Gender India Celebrated Then Silenced"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/","name":"My Ladyboy Blog","description":"The entertaining and informative blog on ladyboy \/ transgender topics","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4a539c6eb4c5ea1eae736bc6f474722e","name":"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/127737b0600db04b2fa568a8b7c1625a7e6933ae1eb06d928597b09b45e597e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/127737b0600db04b2fa568a8b7c1625a7e6933ae1eb06d928597b09b45e597e2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz"},"description":"Amanda Valentine is a transgender woman who has written about trans topics for over 10 years for My Transgender Date. She is an author who made it on Amazon\u2019s best-seller list by writing 5 books on trans women\u2019s relationships. Her book \u201cDating Transgender Women for Gentlemen\u201d peaked at #3 in the Transgender Studies category on Amazon. She started writing at the age of 10 and won a poetry contest in 4th grade which convinced her to pursue a career in literature. Her personal experiences as a transgender woman give her a unique perspective on trans topics.","sameAs":["https:\/\/dtwfgbook.abramspublishinghouse.com","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/amandavdelacruz\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/amanda-valentine-dela-cruz-82b5641a6\/","https:\/\/x.com\/https:\/\/x.com\/amandavdelacruz"],"url":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/author\/amanda"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2911","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2911"}],"version-history":[{"count":46,"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2911\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9306,"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2911\/revisions\/9306"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2911"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2911"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myladyboydate.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2911"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}