In Hindi, the term ‘transgender’ is often translated as “ट्रांसजेंडर”. A transgender person is someone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person assigned male at birth who identifies as female is a transgender woman, and a person assigned female at birth who identifies as male is a transgender man.

The term ‘transgender’ is an umbrella term and includes people who are transsexual, genderqueer, and non-binary, among others.

It’s important to note that being transgender is about self-identity. Not all transgender people choose, or are able, to undergo hormone therapy or surgery to change their physical appearance. Their identities are valid regardless of their physical appearance or whether they have had certain medical procedures.

Transgender individuals in India have a significant history and are often recognized under the term ‘hijra’ within the cultural context, which has been granted the status of a third gender in India.

As always, please respect people’s self-identified gender pronouns and gender identities. Treat others with kindness and dignity, and refrain from making assumptions about their gender identity based on their appearance.