The third gender called "Hijra" within the Indian cultural sphere that is distinctly different from the conceptual underpinnings of what is perceived as a trans-gender in the West. As gender differentiation within the Indian society, largely comprised of Hindus, is very peculiar in its kind, seen in the existence of a middle gender that combines both characteristics of a man and a woman.
Hijras claim to be, "born intersexes." Therefore, it is still believed today in Indian society that, "Hijras are born intersexes" or "hermaphrodites." Most Hijras, however, are born as "men." Subsequently, those who feel at odds with their own sex from the time of boyhood to puberty, become Hijras as they sever their own, male sexual organs. In that sense, Hijras can be called the trans-genders of India. When the word, Hijra, is interpreted in the Western sense, it would be a complex intertwinement of trans-sexualities such as, Transvestism, Gender Identity Disorder and Gender Disorder, which forms a trans-gendered identify that is "uniquely Indian." Nevertheless, a Hijra will never claim to be a trans-gender, and this underlines the fundamental difference between how a trans-gendered identity is defined in the West. Just as men and women play their roles in society, Hijras, who are neither men nor women, belong to a special category of gender, and fulfill a socio-cultural role that is only reserved for them.
The most well known role for a Hijra is to bestow in God's name, "the power to procreate as well as create new life for newly-born male babies and for newly-wed couples." In addition, they provide entertainment through their performance act to those who have gathered around for the occasion. Also, the Hijra societies are interconnected throughout the country and each community is comprised along territorial lines. However, in recent years, the congratulatory acts given by Hijras have been rapidly declining. The breakneck speed of India's Westernization and urbanization within the past decade have pushed the jobless Hijras out of their homes to visit commercial establishments as well as families and demand monetary compensation by forcefully conferring good wishes onto them. This situation has created a vicious cycle as it has driven some Hijras to beg or to prostitute, which in turn earns them disdain, further leading to the loss of their true profession.
