Sex reassignment surgery and wellbeing of India’s transgender community

Abstract

The research focuses on determining "the role of sex reassignment surgery in Hijra culture in India and what motivates people to undergo sex reassignment surgery." The transgender community that creates the shape of the body through gender reassurance relies on modern medicine. However, there are financial, physical, and institutional impediments to undergo sex reassignment surgery and transitioning into a woman or a man. The cultural background of the Hijra, the link between the ancient Hijra culture and modern transgender communities, and the policy implications for the protection of civil rights among transgender people are highlighted as significant subjects during the research study. The study draws on data from primary sources of transgender people, including MtF (Male to Female) and transgender (Hijra) activists, from various community-based organisations across India, implementing a qualitative research approach and contacting transgender people through primary and secondary sources. Intentional and snowball sampling techniques are used to undertake in-depth interview guides with the transgender community and for further research, evaluation, and data collection. Interviews involve transgender individuals who are not primarily involved in the organization. Secondary sources such as the Internet, newspapers, and NGO reports evaluate the content.