In recent years, laws have tried to change this reality. The Supreme Court‘s 2014 National Legal Services Authority (Nalsa) judgment recognised the right to self-affirmation of the gender identity of transgenders. In 2018, the court decriminalised consensual sex among same-gender adults. This was followed by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, which articulates rights of transgender people and directs the state to bring trans-sensitive, trans-specific and trans-inclusive schemes. On Monday, one of Delhi’s largest public hospitals, Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, launched such a scheme when it opened India’s first transgender outpatient department (OPD). This includes an endocrinology facility with hormone analysis and free hormonal treatment, a psychiatry facility and plastic surgery. Dermatology, urology, paediatric services and all blood-related investigations will be available. And, lest we forget, gender-neutral/transgender restrooms too.
RML’s move should be emulated by other hospitals. But real mainstreaming of trans people can be hastened only when various wings of Indian society, the state included, ensure social sensitisation and on-the-ground mechanisms to ensure access to education, housing skills and jobs. Corporates often showcase their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles. They need to walk the talk. Unless and until transpersons feel part of society at large, such welcome gestures will remain, well, gestures.
