Socio-economic and psychological problems of third gender people living with HIV/AIDS: A study in A.P.

Abstract

Transgender means that one doesn’t view their birth gender as their “true” or “real” gender. Instead, a transgender person finds his or her true “self” somewhere along the spectrum of a wider concept of gender. Transgender people living with HIV/AIDS generally face gender identity crisis. Gender identity refers to a person’s internal deeply felt sense of being either male or female. Their gender expressions are different. Gender identity is internal and personally defined. Gender expression is external and socially perceived either masculine or feminine. Due to their gender identity crisis, they bear the brunt of social, economic and cultural marginalization and discrimination. The Supreme Court given favorable judgment on 15th April, 2014 and stated that these Transgender people should be recognized as” Third gender people or third sex”. It provided legal protection to them by giving education and employment opportunities to them and also any reservation in jobs etc., It also recognized their citizenship as par with other citizens of the country. The Supreme Court declared that they have reservation in education as well as employment opportunities. Welfare activities should be provided by the Central and State Governments. Trans Genders are high risk population in spreading HIV/AIDS. However, they don’t have any awareness on safe methods of following sexual behavior because of illiterate. The recent Supreme Court judgment was also not known to them due to lack of proper education. The police, Doctors, lawyers and the Government employers are the four pillars of our society. However, these people are discriminated by them and they don’t have necessary protection in the society. Family members often do not support transgender.&nbsp