According to the American Psychological association. “Transgender is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression or behaviour does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth.”

But apart from male and female nowadays more terms exist. Transgender individuals have been an integral part of society for centuries, contributing significantly to various aspects of human life. Despite facing numerous challenges and barriers, transgender people continue to inspire, educate, and transform communities worldwide.
The term "transgender" has its roots in the 20th century.
The term "transgender" was first coined by American psychologist John Oliven in 1965 then in
1970s-80s,The term gained popularity through the work of activists like Virginia Prince, who used it to describe individuals who identified with a different gender than their assigned sex .In 1990s The term became more widely accepted and was included in various LGBTQ organizations' mission statements And finally in 2000s-present and "Transgender" has become an umbrella term, encompassing various identities, including trans men, trans women, non-binary, and more.
The evolution of the term "transgender" reflects the growing recognition and acceptance of diverse gender identities worldwide. Transgender here I include the people who naturally are of that kind. Those who do this by performing surgeries or some changes in hormones do it by their choice and hence they don't care much about the society. But who naturally carry this might be very affected
As we explore the complexities of our society, it's essential to recognize and celebrate individuals who embody the values of compassion, resilience, and humanity. Transgender people from Kashmir left an indelible mark on the lives of those around them and their story continues to inspire us today.
One of the trasnsgender s journey is not without challenges. They Faced many tough challenges like rejection and ridicule from her family, schoolmates, and relatives, they found solace in their community and discovered their passion for singing and dancing. Same with the story of one of the special personalities who really impressed and put an impression on my soul and spirit. However, fate had other plans, and her life took a dramatic turn when she lost her brother.
In a remarkable display of selflessness, She said in many of her interviews that she put aside her own desires and dedicated her life to raising her brother's four children. As a tailor, she worked tirelessly to provide for them, and her love and care helped shape them into successful individuals – a doctor, an engineer, and two graduates with Master's degrees.
Her story is a powerful reminder that being human is not just about biology, but about the love, compassion, and kindness we show to others. As we reflect on her life, we are compelled to ask ourselves what does it mean to be human? She faced a lot of taunts not from other than family but from family members also. In Kashmir society they are only meant to matchmakers and singers at weddings. But on the other hand One of the other people had a passion for makeup artists by stopping the prejudice that they are not only meant for singing and matchmaking.
In a world where discrimination and prejudice against this community persist, the story of many such personalities becomes a beacon of hope. It challenges us to reexamine our attitudes and biases, and to recognize the inherent value and dignity of every individual.
Basically what I observed and watched in many documentaries is that a person of that community had to face three phases of his or her life. Firstly, childhood where their behaviour not in their hands changes automatically and they face issues at going schools or playing with friends. The dropouts at that time automatically led the other two coming phased to be worsened. The other being of teenagers where they fear and have pressure of not revealing the things but where the upbringing and education has been well developed may be there would be less chances of such pressure. Third in their adulthood where There arises a question where they will live, that would be the possible reason they have their own communities. It means the people who face the same issue are only able to understand their real pain. But on the other hand their parents who feel societal pressure and feel ashamed let them go easily. But on the other hand, there is totally outstanding side of story where the great

Impact of Transgender Individuals on Society

Transgender individuals have made remarkable contributions to various fields, including transgender artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers have enriched our cultural landscape with their unique perspectives and talents. Like they have contributed a lot in Kashmir culture.These individuals have been at the forefront of social activism, advocating for rights, equality, and justice.
These individuals bring diversity, creativity, and innovation to the workforce, contributing significantly to economic growth and development. According to a Human Rights Campaign report, inclusive workplaces that support transgender employees see improved job satisfaction, reduced turnover rates, and increased
Transgender individuals' personal stories of resilience, courage, and self-discovery inspire and educate people worldwide. By sharing their experiences, transgender people help break down stereotypes, challenge misconceptions, and promote empathy and understanding. Back in 2019, Narthaki Nataraj, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer from Tamil Nadu, made history by becoming the first transgender woman to receive the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2019 . This recognition not only honoured her artistic contributions but also marked a significant milestone for the transgender community in India. I sometimes wonder why not any officer or some third gender on highest place of probation
Despite their contributions, transgender individuals face numerous challenges, including
Transgender people often encounter discrimination, harassment, and violence in various aspects of life, such as employment, education, healthcare, and housing.
They experience higher rates of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, due to societal stigma, rejection, and lack of support.
These people face significant barriers in employment and education, including discriminatory policies, lack of inclusivity, and inadequate support systems. I do keen observation while I walk towards my institute for studies. Many of them either travel with me in buses or other vehicles. Some respect them, some of them mock them and laugh loudly and one of the best thing I do learnt from them is “JUST IGNORE” Ignoring has really a true power where it is truly needed. Transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of colour, are disproportionately affected by violence, hate and crimes

Importance of Acceptance and Support

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for transgender individuals is crucial for their well-being, safety, and success. Creating Inclusive Environments
Employers, educators, and community leaders can create inclusive environments by implementing policies and practices that support transgender individuals, such as
Using correct pronouns and respecting identities, many people use very abusive languages and words. Providing inclusive facilities, such as gender-neutral bathrooms, Offering training and education on transgender issues especially awareness programmes.
Fostering a culture of acceptance and respect

Advocating for Policies and Laws

Supporting policies and laws that protect transgender rights, such a Anti-discrimination laws, Healthcare access and inclusivity, Identity document changes and Hate crime protections.

We should Educating Oneself and Others

Continuously like Transgender history and culture, Transgender rights and advocacy health and wellness inclusivity and support.
These should above from the gender , bringing any sort of religion or something else dragging into it we must consider them humans and the real cause behind these happenings. Human being and being human are very different aspects so we are naturally human beings but being human is rarely to be seen nowadays so approach of being human should reflect there.
The third side of the story that I pondered while travelling from Kashmir to Delhi is a rising concern about "fake" transgender individuals that is a complex issue that involves misrepresentation, access to resources, safety, and undermining transgender rights. Fake transgender individuals may misrepresent the experiences and challenges faced by the transgender community, perpetuating stereotypes and stigma, and may take advantage of resources intended for the community. They may also put themselves and others at risk, particularly in situations where safety and trust are paramount. Identifying fake transgender individuals can be challenging, but inconsistencies in their narrative or identity, inadequate understanding of transgender issues, incongruent behavior, and manipulative behavior can be indicators. To address this concern, education and awareness about transgender issues, community engagement, supporting transgender organizations, and encouraging self-reflection are essential. By promoting inclusivity, understanding, and acceptance, we can create a supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, and reduce the likelihood of misrepresentation. Some of the movies have also depicted how people due to high levels of unemployment turn into fake individuals and earn through sympathy in many parts and corners. Unemployment being another issue indeed but this case is very sensitive and uses gender as a source as it really affects the real ones. One of the dialogues That drew my attention was also In one of the drama series “Taali”. Where The main role actress asks multiple questions in just one go to one of the fake transgender and with a skip of tongue he reveals his wife’s name. Revealed that there is indeed this concern.
Transgender individuals play a vital role in society, contributing significantly to various aspects of human life. Despite facing numerous challenges, transgender people continue to inspire, educate, and transform communities worldwide. By promoting acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity, we can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for transgender individuals. We should accept this diversity, challenge discrimination, and advocate for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression.

Email:----------------------muskanshafimalik@gmail.com