Abstract

The Hijra identity in India is closely linked with the traditional livelihood of the community. The dominant discourse often portrays them as a homogenous and close-knit group marginalized into stigmatized livelihood options. However, the livelihood of the community has transitioned to a great extent over the past two decades, leading to a change in the Hijra identity. This article looks into the dynamics of redefining Hijra identity and its interlinkages with their current livelihoods, based on a qualitative study in the state of Odisha (India). Further, the article also analyzes the lives of a growing number of Hijras who have used their agency to carve out a place of acceptance in the larger society, while continuing with the livelihoods, often considered stigmatized by the larger society, through a framework of roles and livelihoods. Lastly, it discusses implications for expanding alternatives for livelihoods and promoting rights of the larger Hijra community in the state of Odisha.

摘要

印度的Hijra身份与该社区的传统民生息息相关。占主导地位的话语通常将他们描绘成一个被边缘化为污名化生计选择的同质且紧密联系的群体。但是，在过去的二十年中，社区的生计在很大程度上发生了转变，从而导致了Hijra身份的改变。本文基于在印度奥里萨邦进行的定性研究，探讨了重新定义Hijra身份及其与其生计之间的联系的动力。此外，本文还分析了越来越多的希贾拉斯人的生活他们利用自己的代理机构在更大的社会中树立了一个接受地，同时继续通过角色和生计的框架来维持生计，而生计通常被更大的社会所污蔑。最后，它讨论了扩大生计替代方案和促进奥里萨邦更大的希贾拉社区的权利的意义。