Discrimination of Transgenders - Nupi Maanbi

Santa Khurai (AMANA) *

Nupi Maanbi | Male to Female Transgender Community in Manipur Society :: Pix - TSE

We want to be either of the genders, male or female. Because they are socially accepted gender, we don't demand for special right but the rights given to the citizen of India by the constitution. Are we a black sheep, or a useless flower that cannot be devoted to god? Flowers may felt pain and suffered when they are pluck but they can't speak out and no human can feel them.

We are not a voiceless cherei (artificial flower made of paper) who won't be able to assert for their right but we are human being who have the ability to express. We are no more a useless creature, why should we surrender ourselves to compare our life with a useless flower.

TG (Transgenders) are human who can talk, have senses, why our contribution and work are not counting in the society and family. We get at least two meals a day and staying at home however providing food and shelter are not the only basic human rights. As a human being, one should get respect, dignity, equality and justice.

All these are universally accepted fundamental rights. But in reality, none of the TG ever gets such respect, dignity, equality or justice from the society or family. We have been facing stigma, discrimination and torture every time. Everyone is not in favor of us and we are always suppressed by the society, parents and friends. That is why the progress of TG is always far lagging behind and Trans people are more likely to experience mental distress due to social disapproval and discrimination.

Research in the area of employment indicates that nearly all Trans are having self-employed like beauty parlour and few are daily wagers. They barely go to hospital even if have serious illness because of the disdainful act in the health care setting. This clearly proves that Trans people experience higher level of discrimination, harassment and violence because of social exclusion. Consequently, Trans people are at greater risk of depression, self-harm and suicide.

A 2012 BTS survey of MSM/TG found that maximum numbers of respondents are under 8th std and they thought of committing suicide. This is considerably higher than among general population.

Many Trans people have experienced:
o A lack of understanding from family, friends, employers, medical professional.
o Difficulty in finding work or retaining it once their background becomes known to others.
o Rejection by family and friends.
o Transphobic comments.
o Violent intimidation on the street and at occasion such as local concert and lai haraoba.
o Being stared at or laughed at.
o Bullying and name calling.

The main issues that affect the mental wellbeing of Trans people are related to discrimination. As a result of discrimination, Trans people can have conflicted and confused feelings. The conflict may lie within themselves. For example, if their Trans status goes against their parents and relatives beliefs. The conflict may lie in their relationship with the people around them. Their parents, school or workplace may send the message that people expressing themselves in the opposite gender wouldn't be tolerated. There is also wider discrimination from society.

Some Trans people can't do everyday activities such as going shopping without getting stared at, attracting comments, having their self-esteem knocked, or experiencing violence on occasion. When put them together, all these difficulties can have a massive impact on their mental health.

Trans people may isolate themselves, and they may experience feelings of depression, suicide and self harm. For example, they even thought of remove their penis which they felt unhappy when look at. They may also start using alcohol or drugs as a way to escape.

AMANA and SAATHII have been advocating with Manipur state legal service authority (MSLSA) since one year to endorse legal service for the transgender in Manipur. We are in high spirit to hear from MSLSA for proposing state legal authority to provide legal support pervasively to the transgender of Manipur. We do hope that this matter will take with anticipation by the higher authority. Because the main feature of a developed nation is giving equal share of everything to all the people.

So, if you think that you are depressed or you are having thought of self-harm as well as discomfort about your gender identity, or if you have encounter violence because of your gender identity please inform All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association (AMANA) within 24 hrs of the incident.

Or if you prefer to get in touch with community support groups such as
Maruploi foundation-Bishnupur,
AASHA-Sagolband, NSTL-Thoubal,
REAL-Churachanpur,
our email address is - nupimanbi(at)gmail(dot)com

Santa Khurai
Secretary: All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association (AMANA)