Jobless, they 'convert' to earn livelihood

[Guest guest]

Jobless, they 'convert' to earn livelihood

Rajan Walia, TNN, Nov 23, 2010,

CHANDIGARH: Of the eunuch population in Tricity and neighbouring areas of Kalka

and Kharar, 30-35% educated youths are those who 'converted' and joined the

community due to unemployment.

This is part of the findings of a study conducted by a group of NGOs.

The findings also suggest that once the eunuchs get approval from 'dera-heads',

they take regular and painful hormone-change injections to look feminine in

order to join dance groups and earn a livelihood.

During the course of the study, NGO members put across 45 questions before at

least 100 young educated eunuchs of the region to know about their present lives

and ambitions ahead.

About the findings, a senior member of the group, Ashwani Kumar, said, ''We were

surprised to find out that 30-35 of those interviewed were those who had joined

eunuch families due to unemployment.''

He added though lack of job forced them enter the profession of male

prostitution, with time, their families deserted them, thus leaving them with no

option but to turn into a eunuch. ''These young and educated youths also took

hormone-change injections so that they could look more feminine.

The injections are very painful and have to be taken four times a month,'' he

added. Kumar said the study had brought to fore three kinds of eunuchs. ''There

are ones who're born transgender. Then, some are forced into it and there's

another group that has no option but to convert due to lack of jobs,'' he added.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Jobless-they-convert-to-earn-\

livelihood/articleshow/6972586.cms

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Re: /message/12269

The third category that is referred to is probably better referred to as

'a group that opts to convert...', reasons regardless.

My reasons for saying this:

1. There is nobody who 'has no option but to convert'. At best, this is

patronising, if not demeaning. Limited choices, yes. But no option... never.

2. Would we describe drug users as a group that had no option but to use

drugs? Or for that matter any other risk behaviour group as those who do not

have an option.

There is a need to constantly sensitise the media.

Regards,

S

E-mail: <dheenabandhu@...>