Demographic data of transgender population from a tertiary care center in South India

Abstract

Introduction: The transgender people face a lot of humiliation and injustice, leaving them socially, economically, and educationally backward in the community. In this study, we present our data on the demographics of the third gender living in our state. Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of transgender people attending Endocrinology OPD was done and demographics were collected. Results: A total of 89 transgender people were included in the study, of which 43 were transgender female-to-male (FTM), and 46 were transgender male-to-female (MTF). The mean age was 26.98 ± 4.79 (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) years and 28.72 ± 5.56 (mean ± SD) years in the transgender FTMs and transgender MTF, respectively. Most of them in the transgender FTM group were graduates 24 (55.8%) and 16 (37.2%) completing <12th standard and very few 3 (7%) postgraduates whereas, in the transgender MTF group, most of them had <12th standard education 36 (78.3%) and only a few graduates 5 (10.8%) and postgraduates 4 (8.7%). Most of them in the transgender FTM group were graduates 24 (55.8%) while most of the transgender MTF group had education <12th standard education 36 (78.3%). Most of the transgender FTM (86%) had formal gainful employment, while most transgender MTFs (56.5%) depended on begging for their livelihood. Most transgender FTMs (83.7%) were on hormonal therapy, while only 41.3% of transgender MTFs were on hormonal therapy. Sixty-five percent of transgender FTM had not undergone sex reversal surgery, while 58.7% of transgender MTFs had undergone surgery. Addiction to alcohol and smoking was less in both the groups with no statistically significant difference. There was a lack of support by the family in both the groups. Conclusions: Our study helps to understand the demographic profile of the third gender living in our state. The policymakers need to use this data to target optimal health care delivery to them and draft policies for their overall well-being.