By: Sarwar Alam
Hundreds of transgender entrepreneurs from across India displayed their skills at an annual Mumbai fair aimed at empowering the disadvantaged community and challenging derogatory stereotypes. “Hijras”, as they are known locally, face severe discrimination in conservative India despite being legally recognised as a third gender. They are often banished to the margins of society and forced to beg or engage in prostitution, and are regularly lampooned in Indian movies. At the “Trans and Hijra Empowerment Mela (fair) 2018”, held in the financial capital this month, around 250 transgender businesses set up shop to confront the stereotype. “In rural areas of…
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