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 “Third Gender” for Trans Voters in India


INDIA EUNUCHS X390 (GETTY) | ADVOCATE.COM

Intersex and transsexual people in India have been granted in independent identity in voter lists by election authorities.

CNN reports that before the decision, members of these groups -- called eunuchs in Indian English -- were referred to as male or female in voter rolls.

Now, “O,” for other, will also appear on voter forms.

Read the full story here.
 

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Reader Comments
  • Name: Julie-Anne Driver
    Date posted: 11/14/2009 1:15:14 AM
    Hometown: Calgary, Alberta Canada

    Comment:

    It certainly wasn't my intention to offend those who don't identify with either sex. I sympathize with them, and in this case, the "third sex" option might work well for them. However, the article specifically mentions intersex and transsexual people, two groups that generally transition from one sex to another (assuming an intersex person was wrongfully assigned after birth). In that case, this option is not a solution.

  • Name: EMK1970
    Date posted: 11/13/2009 6:11:14 AM
    Hometown: Alabama

    Comment:

    To Julie-Anne Driver: A simple but serious question. What about those non-transsexual trans gendered( Yes, this would include "full-time" drag queens) people who only transition to their personal comfort levels of gender identity and choose not to solely identify as either sex? Shouldn't those people have optionsof identity as well?

  • Name: Ben
    Date posted: 11/13/2009 5:09:56 AM
    Hometown: NY

    Comment:

    In India there is also a hijra serving as an elected representative in their Parliament. How many years do you think it will be before we have a trans Congressperson in the US?

  • Name: David Strand
    Date posted: 11/13/2009 3:06:28 AM
    Hometown: Minneapolis

    Comment:

    Oh, and Julie, you are right. You shouldn't have to settle for checking a box labeled "other" rather than male or female if you identify as either male or female regardless of your gender designation at birth!

  • Name: David Strand
    Date posted: 11/13/2009 3:02:58 AM
    Hometown: Minneapolis

    Comment:

    Hijra's and other gender variant identities in Indian culture where there are more than 100 gender identities(as gender identities vary by caste and other factors) are not directly equivalent to a transexual identity in the social context of the U.S. Even in the U.S. there are those individuals who would rather identify as "other" than be shoved into a box labeled male or one labeled female. While most intersex and transgender individuals I know prefer to be fully recognized as male or female, I know an increasing amount of inviduals, many who identify as gender queer, who would prefer to be "other". It seems to be we can make room for people to have self determination of their gender identity. And to embrace everyone that may require a box to choose that is "other". This accomadates those of other social constructions of gender from other cultures where there is more than two boxes to choose from as well as accomadating the emergent gender queer community.

  • Name: Julie-Anne Driver
    Date posted: 11/13/2009 12:50:08 AM
    Hometown: Calgary, Alberta Canada

    Comment:

    Those people, such as myself, who transition to the opposite sex shouldn't have to settle with checking off a box for "third sex".

  • Name: Davya
    Date posted: 11/12/2009 3:15:09 PM
    Hometown: Wynnewood, PA

    Comment:

    Shouldn't transwoman and transmen who achieve the physicality of their inner sex be treated that way though? Also. Why "Other" instead of "Intersex"? These are questions we should be asking, especially in a country where sexual minorities have suffered the 5'th highest hates crimes against them in the world.



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