The status of transgender population in Odisha

Aims/ Purpose: The present study was an attempt to study the status of transgender people who all are now in the main stream of the society. To understand social position of transgender people, to assess support system of transgender Methodology of study: This screening led to the selection of articles and a secondary literature search was performed using the references cited in these selected papers transgender persons in Odisha are not ready to be identified as transgender and get officially registered due to social stigma, revealed a study. The total population of transgender in Odisha is around 70,000 of whom only 2000 agreed to be identified as transgender. Unavailability of reliable data about the demography, socio-psychological status, education and economic status, and livelihood status and opportunities of transgender has been affecting the effective implementation of welfare schemes for them. (j Kumar 2015). Result and Discussion: While transgender activists estimate the numbers to be six to seven times higher, they are thrilled that such a large number of people identified themselves as belonging to the third gender, Of the total number of transgenders identified by the census, almost 55,000 are in the 0-6 population. This has come as a big surprise to the community as they did not expect so many parents to identify their children as belonging to the third gender. Over 66% of the population identified as third gender lived in rural areas, very close to the 69% of the overall population that lives in villages. The census data also revealed the low literacy level in the community, just 46%, compared to 74% literacy in the general population .Transgender or well known as Hijra in India. Many transgender people live part –time or full-time as members of the other gender.