First All India Conference of Transgenders

Why in News?

The first All India Conference of Transgenders was held in Ajmer.

Key Points:

• Location: Ajmer, Rajasthan
• Duration: Ten-day conference
• Organised by: Gaddipati Saloni Nayak in memory of her guru Anita Bai
• Significance: To strengthen the social and cultural identity of the transgender community
• Aim: To discuss the rights, traditions and spirituality of the transgender community
• Several cultural programmes were also organised in this conference.
• Around 2,000 members of the community participated in the Panch Anushthan performed in the Khichdi Tulai festival.

Transgender Community:

• The gender identity of these individuals is different from the sex assigned to them at birth.
• They may differ from the traditional categories of male or female or feel a mix of both.
• Types of transgender community:
• Hijra community: Traditionally recognized transgender group in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• Transmen: Identified as female at birth, but identify as male.
• Transwomen: Identified as male at birth, but identify as female.
• Non-binary individuals: Those who do not categorize themselves as male or female.
• Gender fluid: Those whose gender identity changes over time.