The evolution of transgender rights in India is marked by judicial intervention and legislative mandate. The journey started with the landmark judgment of National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (NALSA), 2014. In this verdict, the Supreme Court recognised transgender individuals as a “third gender”, upholding their fundamental right of equality and dignity and affirmed the right of ‘self-identification’. Illustration by The Geostrata This legal framework was later

Embedded in our history, scriptures, and sciences, the transgender community has made an indelible mark on what we proudly deem to be our culture. Composed of Hijras , eunuchs, Kothis, Aravanis, Jogappas, Shiv-Shakthis etc, the community finds its roots tracing back to the Vedas, Puranas, and other significant oral and written traditions like the Ramayana. Illustration by The Geostrata The community is often referred to as ‘napunsaka,’ which means someone with the inability