ABSTRACT
In many traditional societies, there is a cultural mechanism for resolving the issues of Transgenders (TGs), as observed among the Maibis in Manipur and Hijaras in many states of India. However, these cultural mechanisms are very limited; hence, TGs could not participate in many other social activities. Except in a limited cultural space, they were not given importance and recognised as ‘full’ social actors.
As a result of the social and cultural changes that took place in the traditional societies of India in general and Northeast India in particular, the ideas of personhood, individuality, human rights, and democratic value are incorporated. However, unlike other groups such as Tribes, Castes, and Minorities, TGs as a group or individual persons are not clearly visible in various aspects of society. The democratisation of institutions of yesteryears is still far from affecting the institutions, customs, social attitudes, prejudices, and stigma associated with these LGBTQs.
This chapter attempts to examine the nature and extent of social acceptability of these TGs in contemporary Northeast Indian societies. The laws enacted or policies adopted by the governments are not fully incorporated in these societies though they started accepting their contributions in a relatively wider sphere. It is revealed that there is still a gap between policy goals and social acceptance of these persons whom we term ‘LGBTQs’.
