People walk down the streets,
People notice and cross by me,
Few throw a penny, and few think of me as chaff,
Few always think of me as a subject to laugh…
“Chalo Chalo Aage Badho, Kuch Nahi Hai Dene Ko”
This is the story of everyone on this planet.
This is the story of a man and woman, of a child too.
This is the story of the idealists who believe the glass is half full.
This is the story of a Transgender or “Hijra”
A fascinating group of people who are always fearless when it comes to life and carefree when it comes to what people think and say, they’re also the most misunderstood and least encouraged.
Have you ever paused to wonder why we rarely see or hear of a transgender person driving an auto-rickshaw or working in a cafe? Wouldn’t it be beautiful to give a section of the community a chance to work and earn a respectful living?
So before you judge anybody steps into their shoes and see their growth. See-through others, powerful and real people, who always stand firm and face the world with courage and sheer determination.
So for a change one morning, I decided to let go of everything & take a road trip. I took one week to myself & drove to places I’d always wanted to.
I tried not to think about the future & sink myself at the moment- to enjoy the trip, pay attention to my neighborhood & talk with people. It might sound corny, but it gave me clarity. Finally, I realized I had developed a real sense of route.
Little longer, little more
Another story, million more
Ten tiny fingers and ten little toes,
Mommy’s eyes and daddy’s toes
Cherish her smile every while,
With love and joy of a new life
The aim of penning this story is to explore & unveil the mold which forms our society & its people. This story will inspire you to raise your thinking high & will motivate you to think like an extraordinary & not just be left counted in the crowd of ordinary.
“Think about how different your world would be, if you saw God in every human that’s ever been kind to another being would you ever do anything to hurt that God?.
Life isn’t easy for anyone; it’s more or less a hard road to walk on; however, & the worst has been in the share of Hijras, the Third gender.
From unacceptable discovery to inevitable self-acceptance, they go through a lot of pain that we might not imagine. And it does not limit here, post-self-acceptance comes the family estrangement, who would ever want to get away from the loved ones forever? These happen with them!
Why transgender people need more visibility? Have we ever tried to remember this? Some transgender people have missed their families, their homes & the most crucial thing they lost funding.
Gender shouldn’t define what room they should apply. They are the people with a beautiful soul. Everyone on this globe strains to enjoy life & be happy
Why can’t kinnars live like a normal male or a female? Before a gender they must be looked at a human. Even they are born the way a male or a female is given birth. It is continuously supposed that ‘where there is a will, there is a way’ is this always the truth?
These people do have a will, but do they have a way to express that will? They are always looked upon by people who do not own any of the rights as we do. They are not welcomed with the same respect as us by our fellowship.
Being transgender is not a choice but a study of nature. Assist them in nurturing to become contributing individuals to our community. Share the light & help pass it on. Everyone living in this cosmos is merely attempting to enjoy the short life & be happy.
Anybody shape doesn’t define who they are, whether they are a boy or a girl, but our mind may show a different picture. Know them from their work & their work should create an identity of our psyche.
These make me feel a complete & satisfying end of the story, but still, a chapter is not being enclosed in this happy story. A fact people avoid to face, a fact which people don’t appreciate to talk, a fact which people never want to meet in life. This fact, which people think of as unfortunate, is a “TRANSGENDER.”
“The Beauty of Life is while we cannot loosen what is served;
Read it; learn from it, and change.
So that every new moment is spent not in
Regret, resentment, anger, and fear;
But in Wisdom, Understanding, and Love”
Thank you for reading my story. Where I have pulled together all my ideas into one bag & moved forward-facing society from the past one year. I felt passionate about writing because I want your support to be the one to change the universe. I hope this story inspired you to look at blooms & the leaves on your every walk.
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I am in tears after reading this story. Tears of gratitude and love for my parents. Want to be the part of a positive change in society, get a perfect start with this story 😊
This story is awesome…It really changed my mindset…truly inspiring & emotional. It took me on a journey of happiness, tears, love and inspiring ways.
Beautiful story, awareness creation nice
Hard road to walk
Superbly written…amazing thought process…in short good story with a great exposure of man, women and a child
I have just finished the story. It is most absorbing and touching so much that I read it in one sitting. Truly speaking I could not digest that you can be so matured and could deal with such a serious subject that many established writers did not venture to attempt at it. You may not believe that I was moved to tears at many places,it is so human.I could not resist my urge to complement you both.
Simply awesome. Want to be a part of a positive change in society, today got a perfect start after reading this story.
short, simple, sweet, shuttle, and a perfect medley of the highs and lows of a human thinking. a story that takes you on a journey of happiness, tears, joys, sorrows, love, and inspiring ways.
Loved this one!!! The writing is compelling and confident and I’m already awaiting another story from you. Highly recommended read!🙌🙌
I believe this country needs people like you and probably myself and other motivation people to move forward. I personally believe we can do it and I say so because we have abundant talent, resources and education to make things happen.
Yooo…Girl….Your brilliance is thought-provoking,and the style of your writing is mastery. It’s a privilege to read your story and in my eyes you are a living legend!!!
Superb story! Brilliant work.
I really want to say thank you for having this story shared to every one. I am a Founder of on a Youth Organization. I really loved your story and I really learned a lot. Hope that you will continue to post new articles and new stories so that you can inspire more people.
Being a LGBT communist Person literally I was in tears after reading your penned down story. Great story Mam. Everyone needs to be motivated, even though they may be the wealthiest, strongest, or happiest, to sail the ship in the right direction.
Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more youths than ever before, but within the boundaries of family, home and school, acceptance of their sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a constant struggle for LGBT people.
You are simply a light and great motivation for me.
You seem to have a very open mind. Great job, very impressed by the work you put into your story. Many people talk about making a difference but you went out and started doing it! Keep up the great work.
I think it will give an immense motivation to every single human being. It was so well written and practically observed. Thank you for writing such contents and inspiring others human being including me. It reflects pure humanity to me that still exist.
Starting from your story headline to last line really Impressed by your unique thought This is one of my favorite story and page as well! I get so many inspirational and motivational quotes from your story. Keep up the good work! Its good that you are doing such excellent work and am really getting encouraged with what you are doing.
I needed motivation in a real bad way. I was so down because I started liking same sex person and I look ugly. I felt I couldn’t go on. Really your story helped me feel a little better. I may go out tomorrow because I now realize the only thing stopping me is me!
First of all, I must say your thirst for knowledge is one that seems not to get quenched and has driven you quite well towards a change 😃
This is a deep, important. Penetrating story! Nice pice everything has a procedure in order to come out as perfect as it is.have learnt a lot through the story
After reading this story I imagine that you poured your soul into the writing of this piece, and the authenticity shows. You provide a gratifying social context that illustrates both the sad reality of people forced by events to live in an environment of fear, and also the disquieting vulnerability of expatriate life.
Often in life we feel down and slumping in our life. At these times our soul needs inspiration. This story is particularly topical at the moment, and you handled the subject matter very well which feels supportive.
I am a Male belly dancer not professional one but Like to dance and share my leg on few occasions or auditions. Really people they don’t treat me a normal person. They all have different tags. Each day I fight with my own self to make myself understand who I am. To be very honest these story made me realize like people like you have started bringing change in our society.
Great thought… Really when I started reading this inspiring story refreshed my soul, transformed my fear into hope and trust, filled my mind and heart with positive energy and inspired me to create something beautiful out of my life.
This story extraordinary from ordinary has made my morning great and perspective check. This eye-opening story captured by you shows how we have been stigmatizing the “hijra”. They have been ostracized and made to feel different, “abnormal” but why really? Any one can be a example here but there would be many more. You being so kind has made to feel the “other” community more reliable & joyous person. Today is a good day. Happy Thursday.
All the love from 🇸🇬 Your writing is accomplished and I found your story both moving and fascinating. The immediacy of the approach behind this story will add power to the piece.
Very nice story.. I have given some of the example to my students using this story. It has helped me in teaching too. You are not only an Author, but an awakener.
Really I wanna ask you Author What inspired you to write about Hijras? I loved how you thought about such bold concept. Like being a traveler I have always noticed their action and till today I was afraid of them just because I heard all this They kidnap you and make you one of them, They cut the private parts to become Hijras, but never thought about change which we people need to do to make their life meaningful. Hats off dear for publishing such a strong story about Third gender community.
Fabulous Shweta…Let the world see the experience you shared through your eyes. I travel by the Mumbai locals on daily basis and many times the Hijras enter the coach I am in, sometimes accompanied by other Hijras. Buried under heavy make-up and covered in glittering sarees, they board the train and beg. Not forcing anyone, they softly place their hand on the head blessing people when they offer them any money. Sometimes I feel pity for them and sometimes just observe the way they do their begging and the way they smile.
Hattsoff Buddy for sharing this story. I liked it from the bottom of my heart. In fact read twice because behind the makeup and clothes, they are just another human being. The Hijras have somehow managed to create their own little world but certainly not a place in the society. It is difficult to swim against the tide. The Hijras swim against two tides, the community, and the society. It is time that we change our attitudes towards the Hijras and treat them as one of us.
Hi shweta,
Wow, what a great story. I was genuinely moved and this is a great example of how sometimes little moments in someone’s life can make a great difference. Your story should touch the heart of every individual.
So often, I find comfort when reading stories like this. Words have such an effect on us, don’t they? And for me it’s not just the words, but the tone used that can comfort me in many way.
Thank you, for being here and I look forward to a lovely writing relationship with you.
Gauri
Hey! Shweta before proceeding with the review. I would like to share something. As I’m working on IFP project so If you’re comfortable with it do let me know. I really want this story and would honestly love to work on it by letting people know the importance of Third Gender and will keep sharing the story on different platforms.
Everyone must read this story to know more about the life of Hijra, their problems. The view of society towards them. This story will help to create the respect for this community in the society.
Looking Forward for a positive response.
Amazing! Thank you for sharing your story on Quora. I was speechless when I was reading this really each words made an impact in my life. Starting from your thumbnail how you tried depicting Two sides where male & female gender stands together & other side Is transgender standing alone. You really made me numb by your writing. Frankly, I have never thought about them before. Being working in an NGO I think I should start helping them because through our means they will give moral booster through which they can showcase their talent and within few years and so our people can see the change. Even next generation will learn to value this effective community. Today, not only you but even I want to stand alongside to help them.
I want to take a moment and say ‘Thank You’. I would have never had the courage to share these story and vulnerabilities if it wasn’t for the strong love and support from my community.
I write about topics that are often hushed because it’s taboo, or because there is too much shame or controversy around it. But if we don’t talk about these themes that are prevalent in our everyday human experience, how can we evolve our perspectives and support one another?
If one of my story or article can help one other person feel a little less alone, a little more understood and consider a perspective that could create positive change, then to me, that is success.
I encourage you to join the conversation – talk about the topics that are considered to be too uncomfortable. Strive to be authentic, not perfect. Share your vulnerability – that’s what enables humans to connect. And know that there is always someone listening – so be mindful of what you do put out there.
I’d like to sign off with a big thank you. Thank you for reading and for helping me grow as a writer. But most of all thank you for being a part of my journey…🥰🥰
This story is very concise and clear. It not only contains story but analysis of the society itself. We live in a busy world that we forget we are nothing but travelers moving from one point to the other. Neglecting Hijrah community doesn’t makes us Human. Even they need love and care. Lastly, everyone has their own story to tell and their own journey to Express. Great work shweta 😊✋
Well done, my friend! You’ve made it to the end…Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people. Give them their happiness; you will get your own happiness. And this is the purpose of human life…the pursuit of happiness.
Shweta thumbs up the best piece of writing I have ever read today. I found your post on Quora and really it made my day. Just like we celebrate Mother’s Day or a Fathers’ Day or an International Women’s Day we should proudly celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility to raise awareness. The best part is, that we don’t have to start from scratch. There is plenty of wisdom that we can draw upon, from the women who have fought the fight before us, as well as from men who have supported the cause of gender equality. We can learn so much from their struggles, their learning and the experiences, which you have shared with us.
Thank You for sharing this bold topic and youth should stand for a new change. It is time that we all should glance gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals.
Great work sweta. Really feeling proud reading this today. Even though these heroes have given inspiration to millions of people and the transgender movement has come a long way, the journey ahead is still long and arduous. Millions of transgender people are victims of prejudice and hypocrisy, even to this day. Fortunately, things are taking a turn for the better. Here’s to a brighter, more tolerant future.
Great work Girl!!! I think an important component of kindness within the trans community is just acknowledging that the pain folks feel is real. So much of what I do for my friends is affirm that they are justified in how they feel, that they aren’t being too sensitive or too dramatic, that how they feel is legitimate.
This story really encouraged me to do something for the society. We are brave individuals whose transition in life is not only emotional or mental but also physical, as well. Support systems are significant for our survival, especially during this time of year filled with family holidays, seasonal depression and couples forming everywhere we look. Society has made this time of year about bonding.
Thank You Shweta for sharing the positive awareness. I’ve noticed that what our world needs more awareness when it comes to the transgender community is not only awareness and acceptance but also a true understanding of the trans community’s day-to-day experiences. I’m hoping that this year, Trans Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance bring light to those who have yet to grasp the beauty and courage that comes with being transgender.
Loved this Story… Your writing widely showcase that even in recent years, transgender people have become more visible in the media, but we are still fighting against discrimination in airports, bars, bathrooms, restaurants, schools, workplaces, with law enforcement, and within the healthcare system. So many transgender teens are kicked out of their homes and left to fend for themselves, simply for wanting to live their truth. I personally know how important it is to have support from friends and family because I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. As inhabitants of this planet, it is crucial that we all give our love to those who need it most.
Heart Touching lines shweta. Great concept too. In order to make our world a better and safe place to live, humankind has to become educated about transgender culture. It has to accept us, respect us and understand us.
The story was nice and inspiring to all
❤❤❤✨✨
The story which I read of yours is very heart touching. What a topic you chose 👏 Take a Trans Person to Lunch Or dinner, coffee or afternoon tea. Where and when you go doesn’t matter, but connecting with another person does. Networking strengthens our activism and reminds us why we are doing this work, plus you might make a new friend. Hugs from 🇱🇷
Thank You For Sharing your story because the way things keeps on changing every minute and seconds. In the same manner transgender people need too. Nonetheless, treat them as humans above everything else. No special treatment required. Treat them like everyone else. Above all. an individual in a society of equals.
Keep Doing The Great Work For Every Human Being!!!
Great thought writer. I am speechless this reading this whole piece of writing. I always thought but never took on a serious but after reading the revolution you want to bring for this society is really great. I want to be part of this revolution and stand up for Transgender. Because People from the third gender have been a part of our society since a long time. Of late, they have been confined to such stereotypes that it has become difficult for them to face themselves, to see themselves as human beings, to feel happy, if anything, about their sexual orientation. They have become silent spectators of the society who have to undergo violence, harassment, and abuse to earn their livelihood. They are a matter of ridicule in India. Whenever a transgender trespasses, people point them out sharply with their fingers saying, ‘Look a hijra is going!’