Lived Realities of Transgender Persons in Kerala During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Transgender persons are deprived of dignity, treated unfairly, abused and oppressed, thereby pushing them into the margins of society. More often than not, this discrimination begins from their natal family itself. The social stigma associated with their gender leads to a vicious circle of emotional and economic stress, stripping them of their chances of acquiring a decent education or job. This chapter deals with the double whammy impact of the Covid-19 crisis and the alienation faced by transgender persons in Kerala during the Covid-19 pandemic. Through 20 case studies, the authors try to document the specific experiences and challenges of transgender persons during the pandemic, survival strategies, and their support. The major challenges that the transgender community in Kerala faces were ill-treatment from the family, lack of occupation and income, lack of shelter, inability to access health care, and violence from mainstream society.