Transgender Cultural Practices in Chennai- Qualitative Insights

Abstract

Background Transgender is an umbrella term that describes a diverse group of people whose internal sense of gender is different than that which they were assigned at birth1.According to the 2011 census, India has about 488,000 transgender people. Transgender people are one of the most vulnerable and neglected groups in society. There is limited published literature on the cultural patterns of the transgender community in South India. Hence we chose a qualitative approach to explore the range of cultural practices and experiences of this transgender community and to understand their perceptions of the same in this society. 
Methodology: A qualitative study design employing focus group discussions was conducted. In 2023, four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 8 to 12 participants each, comprising transgender individuals identified using snowball sampling. We conducted two focus group discussions in Perambur and two in Choolaimedu, engaging a total of 40 participants. An FGD interview guide was prepared with sub-themes to explore the socio-cultural practices prevailing in this community. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. 
Results: Four themes emerged from the data that characterised individuals’ experiences in cultural settings. The four themes that emerged from the data were a) conditions for admission to the transgender community, b) ceremonies performed during acceptance and admission, c) rules and regulations of the Jamath system, and d) cultural practices prevailing in the community. 
Conclusion: The results of these focus group discussions might help influence the nature of subsequent surveys and government policies, initiatives, and programs for this high-risk, vulnerable group. The community has a wonderful tradition of its own. But at the same time, discarding this tradition, Indian society tries to repress the transgender identity and marginalise people of gender nonconformity