Election Commission creates space for transgenders in electoral roll; community can now mark itself as 'Other' instead of 'Male' or 'Female'
Election Commission creates space for transgenders in electoral roll; community can now mark itself as 'Other' instead of 'Male' or 'Female'
Transgenders in India have finally found their place under the sun.
After years of struggle, they will soon have the option to officially choose a separate identity from males and females.
The Election Commission of India has decided to allow eunuchs/transsexuals to indicate their sex as 'Other' in the electoral roll, if they do not want to be described as male or female.
Besides the electoral roll, the decision will also apply to all other documents used by the Election Commission, including IT-based formats and websites.
In the electoral rolls prepared by the Election Commission, transgenders were hitherto registered either as male or female, on the basis of the statement made by the person concerned.
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Sita Kinnar, president of Kinnar Union, said, "It is a fantastic decision. It is the result of our long fight. But this is not the end. We expect in the coming years more and more people from our community will come forward and strengthen our movement," Kinnar said.
This is the second landmark win for the community after the Delhi High Court's July decision that legalised gay sex between consenting adults.
Anjali Gopalan of NAZ Foundation, an NGO working with this community, said the decision of the Election Commission to acknowledge another gender beside male and female is path-breaking.
"If you are identified as you are, it is very encouraging. It also shows there is a lot more acceptance in society than before. The decision can be seen as a change of thought. It is one step ahead and every step is important for a change. Ideally, the option should be 'transgender' but it is better than not having any option," Gopalan said.
"Necessary instructions have been issued to all Electoral Registration Officers of all states and Union Territories to give effect to the decision of the Commission. Enumerators and Booth Level Officers shall be instructed to indicate the sex of eunuchs/ transsexuals etc as 'O' if they so desire," said a senior official involved in the process, wishing anonymity.
The Election Commission has been receiving representations from various individuals and groups, including students of the Law Faculty of KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, in this regard. The students from this college appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner of India when he was visiting them, to include eunuchs in the electoral roll with independent identity.
Bobby Darling
'At least transsexuals will get recognition this way. People have always teased them. This is a positive step and will create a respectful space for the community. I appreciate the decision.'
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