Abstract

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the societal acknowledgment of transgender individuals, a recognition that they have long sought. However, the path towards acceptance has been fraught with challenges. While certain segments of society, particularly those residing in tier 1 cities, have started to embrace them, there persists a prevailing issue concerning public perception. Conversely, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often dismiss or negate the existence of this community, viewing it solely through the prism of a mental health issue requiring treatment. These societal attitudes continue to present obstacles to their complete inclusion and acceptance. This paper aims to scrutinize the prevailing perceptions of transgender individuals in both tier 1 and tier 2 cities, utilizing Gandhinagar and Kanpur as case studies. The research initially delves into the attitudes and beliefs of younger demographics concerning the acceptance of transgenders. This involves comprehending their perceptions, viewpoints, and levels of support for gender diversity. The study investigates the role of education in shaping attitudes towards transgender individuals. Supporting data from various studies indicate that despite legal advancements, societal attitudes towards transgenders remain a significant challenge. For instance, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Centre in 2020 found that while acceptance of homosexuality has increased over the years in many countries, there still exists a significant portion of the population, particularly in regions with conservative social values, that oppose it. It endeavors to uncover whether individuals with higher educational attainment tend to exhibit greater acceptance and inclusivity towards gender-diverse communities. The research examines the potential impact of religion on attitudes towards transgender individuals. This entails exploring how religious beliefs and teachings may influence individuals' acceptance or rejection of gender diversity. Research published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2019 highlighted how socioeconomic factors can impact the health outcomes and experiences of transgender Finally, the study investigates whether socioeconomic background plays a role in shaping people's attitudes.

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