Making Themselves Count

This chapter aims to trace the socio-political trajectory of transgender existence in India from the colonial period to the present day. It first outlines the colonial history of transgender individuals and then explores the post-independence period. After independence, the hijra community started mobilizing and gradually became more assertive in demanding rights. The ‘third gender’ status achieved by the community is the result of long-standing activism and advocacy. For the first time, this chapter divides the period of activism into four waves of trans activism: Transvergence (1983-2009), Transclaration (2010-2014), Transformation (2015-2019), and Transintegration (2020-present). The chapter also includes a legal timeline at the end, documenting judicial interventions sought by the community to claim these rights.