Social and familial ostracism, early drop out from the formal education system, and low rate of employment were among the main problems being faced by transgender community in Kerala, a survey conducted by the State Literacy Mission has found.
The survey found 918 transgenders were willing to take part in the mission’s continuing education programme. While 18.50% of transgenders live in Corporation areas, 32.09% in municipal areas, and 49.33%, reside in panchayat areas.
As many as 0.44% of those surveyed were in the ‘inter-sex’category, 18.25% were trans men and 81.30 %, trans women. Those who underwent sex change operations were also included in this.
The survey found that very few transgenders openly declare themselves to be so. While 41.92% of those surveyed stayed with their parents, 27.54% lived in their own houses, and 27.76% lived in rented premises.
It was also found that 2.76% of those surveyed stayed in various shelter homes. The fact that 37.5% of those surveyed had no identity cards speaks volumes of the marginalisation faced by transgenders in society. Transgenders faced ridicule from society at large and are shamed even in their homes, the survey found.
As many as 20.35% of those surveyed were unemployed. Only 1.65% had government jobs. However, they have not openly declared their gender status at their workplace. While 6.85% were engaged in begging, 8.51% were into prostitution. Close to 50% of those surveyed had a monthly income of less than ₹1,000.
The survey found that a large number of transgenders dropped out of schools very early. While only 1.2% of those surveyed were illiterate, 1.76% dropped out of school in the fourth standard and those who dropped out in classes four to seven constitued 10.61%. All the same, the survey found out that 1.1 % of those surveyed had professional degrees and 1.54% had a technical diploma.
A press note issued here said 67.14% of those surveyed expressed interest in a continuing education programme. While 17.69% of those surveyed were ready to participate in a degree programme, 28.09% were ready for a standard 12 equivalency programme.
