Vivere come donne in India: l'insolito genere delle comunità hijra

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the history and practices that characterize hijra communities in India in order to shed light on the specific reality of these heterogeneous communities of individuals who are placed outside the heteronormative identity codes, but who have historically been included within Indian society, with very specific roles, thanks to the elaboration of the notion of tṛtīya prakṛti (third gender). However, historical events, especially since the British colonial period, have made the position of hijras increasingly marginal: the various forms of discrimination and violence, which take place within the family of origin, the health system, and society in general, were further exacerbated when the Covid 19 pandemic broke out. Through an analysis of sources belonging to different fields of research, an attempt is made here to make an initial provisional assessment of the condition and perception of hijras in contemporary Indian society, in a political context dominated by Hindutva nationalism and in a social and health context dominated by the Covid 19 pandemic.