Abstract

Transgender rights and equality have emerged as crucial issues in the discourse of human rights globally, and India stands at the forefront of this ongoing struggle. Despite significant strides in legal recognition and social awareness, transgender individuals in India continue to face multifaceted challenges, including discrimination, violence, and systemic marginalization. This abstract delves into the landscape of transgender rights and equality in India, examining the progress made, persistent barriers, and the way forward. The legal framework surrounding transgender rights in India has witnessed notable developments in recent years. Supreme Court in 2014 recognized transgender persons as the third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights . Subsequently, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 aimed to safeguard their rights and provide avenues for legal recognition . Socially, transgender individuals in India grapple with deep-rooted stigmatization and exclusion. Discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and housing perpetuates cycles of poverty and vulnerability within the community. Moreover, transgender persons face heightened risks of violence, including physical assault, sexual abuse, and harassment, often perpetrated with impunity. Efforts towards advancing transgender rights and equality in India require a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, there is a pressing need for robust implementation of existing legal provisions, accompanied by comprehensive awareness campaigns targeting both the general public and key stakeholders. Ultimately, achieving true equality for transgender individuals in India demands a concerted effort from government, civil society, and the broader community. By upholding the principles of dignity, equality, and non-discrimination, India can realize its vision of a society where all individuals, regardless of gender identity, can live free from prejudice and enjoy full participation in social, economic, and political life.

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