Both genitals? transgender? NO

Hijra the word has a single meaning but so many mis conceptions attached to it. Basically, hijr is a Persian word which means ‘one who leaves behind his roots in search of one’s true identity’. And there has been many mis-conceptions about the hijra or kinnar community. One such is that they are born with both male and female genitals which is not true. Yes, there are people born with both genitals who are known as hijra’s, kinnar’s or transgenders but actually they’re not. These people or humans who are born with both the genitals are known as intersex people. They are born with both genitals because of some issues.

I’ll tell you why I am writing about it! So, there is this show on a channel which had created curiosity in me to find out why a mother is forced to throw her own female child? I waited for almost 3 months and more till the girl or protagonist in show turns adult and they reveal the reason behind every one hating her. I wasn’t at home so I asked my mum to tell me what’s wrong with the protagonist. Later I came to know that the protagonist doesn’t get her periods. PS-: this is what my mum told me. And obviously I couldn’t digest the fact that how can, not getting periods make some one kinnar or a transgender. Whereas kinnar is associated with ancient Hindu transgenders community who identify as neither male nor female.

I googled about poor protagonist’s problem and got to know there are many women out there who face the same problem since childhood and they can’t conceive a child as ovaries are absent in their body by birth. And that doesn’t make her a transgender and I wish the makers realise this and make a better show, with full research and give a fair chance to the hijra community to work in television rather than just reacting on camera.

People need to understand that until and unless a person comes and doesn’t says that they identify as transgender or hijra, we should not tag them. Because transgender is a person who doesn’t identify with the sex assigned at birth and rather feels as opposite sex. And people born with both genitals or who don’t get their menstrual cycles or infertile men aren’t transgenders. Just because a human can’t reproduce,it  doesn’t make them transgender.