Recognition of Gender Identity of Hijra as ‘Third Gender’: A Study on Barishal District, Bangladesh
摘要
The hijra community in Bangladesh continues to face significant challenges due to stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. Although the government of Bangladesh recognized hijras as the third gender, societal recognition is still far off. The gender identity of the newly acknowledged third gender is still debatable. As a result, hijra communities are cruelly neglected, socially harassed, and subject to severe humiliation. This paper aims to explore the socio-cultural and legal dimensions surrounding the hijra community and assess the potential implications of recognizing their gender identity. The study employed a qualitative research approach, gathering data from both primary and secondary sources, which reveals that despite the official recognition of hijras as a third-gender group by the government of Bangladesh, practical challenges persist. Hijras face difficulties legally registering under this category, and societal acceptance remains elusive. This lack of acceptance translates into barriers to gainful employment and restricted access to essential services for the hijra community. The gap between official recognition and social reality underscores the need for comprehensive efforts to address both legal and societal dimensions, ensuring meaningful inclusion and opportunities for the hijra community. The findings of the study provide valuable practical implications, including potential policy changes, reduced discrimination, improved access to healthcare and education, enhanced legal rights, and increased public awareness for the hijra community in Bangladesh, ultimately promoting their well-being and social inclusion.