Hijras are a transgender community that has been present in South Asia for centuries. They have their own culture, language, and traditions. One aspect of their culture is their relationship to sexuality and gender roles.
In Indian society, there are strict norms regarding how men and women should behave sexually.
It is expected that men be masculine and aggressive, while women be submissive and passive. Hijra culture challenges these norms by rejecting traditional gender roles. Instead, hijras may take on both male and female characteristics.
Despite this rejection of traditional gender roles, hijras still participate in religious observance. Many hijras are Hindu, and they follow Hindu customs such as fasting during certain times of the year.
Some hijras also engage in erotic behavior that contradicts Hindu teachings.
Hijras may perform rituals involving exchanging garlands or kissing other people.
The contradiction between religious observance and sexuality can cause tension within hijra communities. Some hijras may feel conflicted about whether they can continue to practice religion while also embracing their sexuality. Others may choose to focus on one aspect of their identity at the expense of the other.
To reconcile these issues, some hijras create their own spaces where they can explore their sexuality freely. These spaces may include parties, festivals, or temples dedicated specifically to hijra worship. At these events, hijras can express themselves without fear of judgment from mainstream society.
Even within hijra communities, there may be disagreement over what constitutes appropriate sexual conduct. Some hijras may view certain types of intimacy as unacceptable or immoral. Other hijras may see no problem with these activities, and may engage in them openly.
The reconciliation of religious observance with sexuality and social expectations is a complex process for hijras. They must navigate various cultural norms and expectations while maintaining their sense of self-identity. By creating safe spaces and supporting each other, hijras can find a way to balance their spiritual and personal lives.
How do Hijra communities in India reconcile religious observance with sexual identity, erotic behavior, and social expectations regarding intimate conduct?
Many transgender people in India continue to face discrimination, violence, and exclusion from society. They often struggle to find acceptance within their families, workplaces, and other spheres of life. This can lead them to seek support and community elsewhere, such as with Hijra groups. Hijras are individuals who identify as neither male nor female but rather as a third gender that is both masculine and feminine.