Social And Economic Challenges Faced By Transgender People In Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The paper examines the complex social and economic challenges faced by transgender people in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. Despite legal advancements such as the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and the advocacy of local activists, transgender people continue to encounter significant barriers due to entrenched societal attitudes and cultural norms. Socially, they face pervasive stigma and discrimination, leading to ostracism from families and communities, which exacerbates their economic hardships. Many are compelled to rely on begging or performing at events for income due to systemic barriers in accessing stable employment and the prevalence of discriminatory hiring practices. Educational and vocational opportunities are often limited, further impacting their economic prospects. The study also examines how societal attitudes and cultural norms shape the daily lives of transgender people, revealing that acceptance varies significantly across different demographics, with older generations often holding prejudiced views. While there are efforts to improve support systems through proposed government policies, challenges remain in their effective implementation. These support systems offer promise but are hindered by inadequate resources and ongoing societal prejudice, impacting the social and economic conditions of transgender people in Coimbatore.