

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Hijras - The Third Gender (Documentary)

This is a documentary film which tries to educate people and enlighten them on the social outcaste, trials and the plight of hijras that they face in the Indian society. This documentary focusses on interviews, stories and other talks with hijras, social workers on how the life can be improved.

Most hijras are genetically born as men, but believe they are women within. The rest are hermaphrodites with some abnormality in genitalia. For those born men, becoming a hijra is a painful process that involves removing the entire genitalia in a secret ceremony that is often undergone without any anesthetic.
Currently, most hijras have only three ways in which they can make a living: prostitution, begging, and as performing shamans removing bad luck and/or spells from suspicious Indian households. Sex work is one of the only options for hijras because there are few employment opportunities available to them. Hijras are most commonly seen knocking on car windows, begging for money at stoplights. Although hijras are feared for their dissimilarities, they are also revered for their alleged mystical abilities. Most Indian families seek their blessings during any auspicious ceremony such as a birth, a wedding, or the building of a new house.

Very informative and interesting. Something different. (6.5/10)

No comments: