Sex change, shift from one trap to another

Jalandhar : Those not comfortable with the gender they are born with have a legal option of undergoing a sex-change surgery to become who they feel they really are. A majority of those seeking the “sex reassignment surgery (SRS)” are, however, doing it for a sad motivation — greater income in prostitution, a profession many transgenders find themselves forced into.
Jalandhar, often referred to as the medical hub of North India, has also become a centre of sorts for SRS. The Supreme Court in 2014 had ruled that governments cannot deprive a person of the right to acquire the preferred gender through surgery. The procedures, however, are conducted under utmost secrecy, for hospitals fear social reprisal. Chandni was thrown out by ‘her’ family after they became aware of her transgender status around 14 years ago. Now 22, and with no job, Chandni has felt compelled to join prostitution, in aid of which she underwent sex change in the city recently. “Unlike most people, we do not get equal opportunity to study or work. Also, most of us are disowned by our families. With no support, more than 90 per cent of us end up in the flesh trade,” she told The Tribune. “As a transgender, we earn Rs 1,000-3,000 for a night; now as a ‘girl’, I can even get up to Rs 30,000. With no other means of income, the surgery has come as a lifeline to me,” Chandni said. She now also finds it easier to enter “reputed” dance bars, clubs or party joints.