Horrors and Suffering of Transgenders Trapped in Prostitution as Depicted in the Novel a Parcel by Anosh Irani

Abstract

Hijras, or the name given to Male to Female transgenders in India, are a part of Indian culture and heritage for a long time. The rich and vibrant history of India, show the presence of third gender in the old scriptures and mythological texts. But with the passing of time, their presence has been denied any worth in the society. Ostracized from the normal localities, Hijras live in terrible conditions in the ghettos and receive no particular help from family, peers or anyone who believes in the hetero-normative construct of the society. The result of their social exclusion is that they earn their livelihood by begging, blessing people on occasions or by prostitution. The world of prostitution is harrowing to anyone and is even worse for Hijras. The incidents depicted in the novel work as an eye-opener to anyone who believes in equality and betterment of the society by upliftment of statuses of third-gendered population.