The Third Gender

 

The government of Bihar – the third largest state in India by population – last week took the decision to recognise eunuchs and transgender people as a ‘third gender’. This move will mean that these groups will now fall under the category of ‘backward class’.

Even though this sounds like a mixed blessing at best, the recognition will make transgender individuals eligible for benefits including reserved government jobs.

According to reports on zeenews.india.com, this move comes after pressure from within the transgender community in the region and from civil rights groups.

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