Eunuchs Of India

These identities have no exact match in the modern Western taxonomy of gender and sexual orientation,[12] and challenge Western ideas of sex and gender.[4] Most are born apparently male, but some maybe intersex (with ambiguous genitalia). They are often perceived as a third sex, and most see themselves as neither men nor women. However, some may see themselves (or be seen as) females,[13]feminine males or androgynes. Some, especially those who speak English and are influenced by international discourses around sexual minorities may identify as transgender or transsexual women. Unlike someWestern transsexual women, hijras generally do not attempt to pass as women. Reportedly, few have genital modifications, although some certainly do, and some consider nirwaan ("castrated") hijras to bethe "true" hijras.[6]
Most hijras live at the margins of society with very low status; the very word "hijra" is sometimes used in a derogatory manner. Few employment opportunities are available tohijras. Many get their income from performing at ceremonies, begging, or sex work—an occupation of eunuchs also recorded in premodern times. Violence against hijras, especially hijra sex workers, isoften brutal, and occurs in public spaces, police stations, prisons, and their homes.[16] As with transgender people in most of the world, they face extreme discrimination in health, housing, education,employment, immigration, law, and any bureaucracy that is unable to place them into male or female gender categories.[17]
Beginning in 2006, hijras were engaged to accompany Patna city revenueofficials to collect unpaid taxes, receiving a 4 percent commission.[18]

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Hijras are often encountered on streets, trains, and other public places demanding money from people. If refused, the hijramay attempt to embarrass the man into giving money, using obscene gestures, profane language, and even sexual advances.[citation needed] In India for example, threatening to open their private parts...