The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of "cross-dressing" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against transgenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times.

1. Education - opportunities are not available and they witness social exclusion. (a) As per NHRC, 62% transgenders do not attain adequate education. (b) Schools refuse to admit transgender.

2. Healthcare - is also denied. They suffer from proper nutrition lack there is prevalence of anaemia, malnutrition among them.

3. Lack of skilling - do not get proper technical, skill-development or vocational training.

C. During youth and adult stage -

1. Employment :- opportunities are limited. As per NHRC, 92% transgender depend on begging to meet livelihood.
2. No accommodation - discriminated while providing flats to them. (eg) - 23 transgender were employed by Kochi Metro and only 6 remain as they had low salary, no accommodation.
3. Lack of social acceptability based on their gender in the society.

D. During old age stage -

1. No social security :- as proper date about them is not with government.

2. Limited social inclusion - only 20% transgenders have bank account.

3. Spend old age with other transgenders in the Guru-Shishya parampara.

4. Live in poverty, destitute condition with multiple health issues.

(b) Reasons for continued discrimination despite government attempts

There is discrimination because -

1. lack of compassion and empathy towards transgenders.
2. Presence of negative attitude towards them which leads to similar behaviour.

1. lack of cognitive attitude which teaches about mutual love, respect towards them.
2. lack of affective attitude which lays emphasis on respect for dignity of life of transgender.
3. Adult Socialisation - of children where there is avoidance of transgenders.
4. lack of social inclusion in political, economic and social life which can change behaviour.
5. For e.g. - Ira Singhal (IAS) recruited two transgenders in her office.
6. lack of identity :- there are very less opportunities for them to register as "transgenders" in forms. These needs to be positive affirmation by reservation in education, employment to them as held by Supreme Court in NALSA Case (2014).