As a child I had a house to live, friends beside,
now the only place I can have is ghettos,
now the only friend I have is darkness.
Though I am alive just like them;
I am not supposed to breathe.
Because for them;
They are respectful, I am a displease.
They are humans, I am a disease.
The school teacher taught, “Be yourself.”
But they made me an object of abuse,
by shamelessly stripping me,
when I showed them the real me.
I am still their laughing-stock,
for carrying a book in my hand.
Though I have brains just like them;
I am not supposed to learn.
Because for them;
They are respectful, I am a displease.
They are humans, I am a disease.
Draped in a bright saari,
shining in gold earrings,
retouched by some make up,
I dance like a woman in front of those,
who look at me with disgust,
who give me a sly leer.
Though I have passion in me;
I am not supposed to have a dream.
Because for them;
They are respectful, I am a displease.
They are humans, I am a disease.
I grew more effeminate,
I was mesmerized by jingling anklets.
My mother took me to saints,
the psychiatrist gave me drugs,
to make me what I should be.
None looked into my eyes,
to know what I wanted to be.
All my tears are still unnoticed;
all my words are still unheard.
Though I have a mouth;
I am not supposed to speak.
Because for them;
They are respectful, I am a displease.
They are humans, I am a disease.
I walked to different places,
far or near, to earn a living.
They allowed all men and women,
not a manly face with strong femininity.
They didn’t interview me;
they didn’t ask me questions.
Their words became vilification of me.
My existence became their only question.
Though I am productive just like them;
I am not supposed to work.
Because for them;
They are respectful, I am a displease.
They are humans, I am a disease.
Beneath the same sky,
on the same land,
leaving me with no option,
they make me sell my body.
My dance academy,
their brothel.
My fantasies,
their desperation.
Though I have a heart just like them;
I am not supposed to have a soul.
Because for them;
They are respectful, I am a displease.
They are humans, I am a disease.
Shamed by many,
nauseated by some.
My existence is ghastly and offensive,
to all of them, to God, to the universe.
They give me a name, “Hijaras”,
and they invite me,
at child’s birth, to marriages,
to bestow the blessings,
but my auspiciousness is still lost,
in their shallowness,
in their hurtful humors.
Though I was born the same way;
I am not supposed to live like them.
Because for them;
They are respectful, I am a displease.
They are humans, I am a disease.
Though I have feelings just like them,
Though I have a heart to love, just like them,
Though I am one of them,
I guess, I would never know,
why they still think;
They are respectful, I am a displease.
They are humans, I am a disease.
The situation here described is usually seen in South Asian countries. This poem is an effort by me to spread the message that the situation in which these people survive should offend us, instead of their existence. They are one of us, and they seek our support. The society never ceases to show its double standards (one para in the poetry describes that). It is time to stand up against the heartless crowd that never fails to demean them in any way.
However, the situation in India is now improving with time and the acceptance. Transgenders have come out in large numbers to fight for their rights.
〉 Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, a transgender activist who, along with a legal agency, had petitioned the court about their identification as “transgenders” instead of either male or female, last year. Her efforts didn’t go in vain, and The Supreme Court directed the federal and state governments to include transgenders in all welfare programs for the poor, including education, health care and jobs to help them overcome social and economic challenges.
〉 Madhu Bai Kinnar – an independent candidate – defeated her opponent by more than 4,500 votes and became the mayor of Raigarh, in the central state of Chhattisgarh on January 2015. Kinnar, who is 35, is a member of the lowly Dalit caste, once known as ‘untouchables’. Before her victory, she earned her living by performing; singing and dancing on Howrah to Mumbai trains. She only stopped when asked to represent her community, which reflects their confidence, willingness to make efforts, and the enthusiasm to be considered as human as we call ourselves.
There are more examples of these beautiful people who are not afraid to face the discrimination that the society throws at them. If each one of us starts speaking for them to all those who are displeased by them, I believe that their lives would become more meaningful.
-Kritika Vashist
What an elegant, eloquent plea you make for these people. You have a beautiful soul, Kritika. I love the way you raise your voice.
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I hope I could. Thank you 🙂
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A great message with awareness 🙂
Kudos Kritika 🙂
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🙂
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I love you and your heart sweet one!
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Reblogged this on Surrendering My Shield and commented:
Powerful words by a beautiful soul.
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Thank you, Annie 🙂
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I am really proud and glad to see that you took it as a theme for your write.
Wonderful work. Touching words.
Well done!!
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I hope it helps. Thank you!
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It will… anything done with heart and soul doesn’t do waste!!
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Go*
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My Dear Kritika, came to Yours from Abyssb’s. You banter away there, and here, the very first article I encounter is this one, to which I have given a 5 star, my first. (Previously I have given only 4 stars at most).
I appreciate Your Empathy for the subject.
If I may go further… As an Ashramite, even Beggars and Lepers have approached me with Freedom and have been, and are Welcome. But Transgenders still seem to carry a chip on their shoulders. MaNY years ago, when I was on my way to the Church, I had noticed a group of them, and, I do not really remember the sequence, I had raised my hand in Blessing (I am a Sannyasi), and had gone on. …Only to find that this person had mistaken me and followed into the church, seeking custom. It was a Terrible experience for me. The memory lingers.
I end with Love and Regards. 🙂
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Hello, sir.
Thank you for taking out time to visit my blog and read my post. I guess, like everyone I have many sides, one who banters, and the other who wonders how and why.
Maybe the notions that follow in the society are responsible for the behavior.
It is great to meet you here. I visited your blog and find it quite interesting and helpful. Looking forward to learn more from you. Thank you for your appreciation. 🙂
Regards.
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Thank You too, Kriti! And it is Very nice to meet You, too!
If I may say a few words about Your: ‘the notions that follow in the society are responsible for the behavior.’
Our response to the notions, AND behaviour of others have to be Deliberated; and Actions, Not Reactions! …I do suppose You know this and live according to this!
Love and Regards. 🙂
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Yes, I agree. I live on the principle of action and not reaction, precisely to say, response and not react.
Thank you 🙂
Regards.
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Very well done. I cannot help but think that the internet (what a small world we now have) is probably the most powerful tool to be used against any form of inequality. I believe that all cultures have their equality issues and by bringing them into a public forum could translate into a political issue. If they can then get political interest, then they become a voting issue which is surely the desired outcome. With political will, the world can change. The problem is making it a political issue which, I think, you are on the right road to achieving. Keep it up. Nothing will happen today but……………….. tomorrow???? 🙂
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You are absolutely right here.
Thanks for reading 🙂
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This is incredible work. And the repeat of those two lines at the end of every stanza drives home the point. Well done
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Thank you, Prajakta.
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Good for you for standing up for those oppressed for being who they are. You said it in such a beautiful way.
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Trying making an effort. Thank you, Chris 🙂
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Good for you for standing up for those oppressed for being who they are. You said it in such a beautiful way.
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You have such compassion, Kritika. It was a wonderful, impassioned composition and a window into your kind heart.
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Thank you, Rob! 🙂
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This was a very needed post and you did it so well. Very powerful and thank you for sharing.
-Naima
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I believe the same 🙂
Thank you.
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Your words elevate humanity. The world needs the virtue of kindness to others now more than ever.
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You are right. If everyone who is free is kind to those who are not, we won’t be having any lines of differences.
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amazing..
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🙂
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I don’t know why or how exactly this mistreatment came about in society. There were times and eras when TG’s had a lot of respect. But maybe they were always expendable. It’s sad though, to be reduced to a joke, a farce, and for nothing more than what organs you have or don’t have. Humanity never ceases to disappoint me.
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I know, right? My mother told me about the stories of them being so very kind. Even I had got a chance to encounter their kindness and sensitiveness for the people who suffer in pain and grief, despite of the fact that they themselves are not greeted.
I hope this does change mindset of the people and TGs gets their share of respect and dignity.
What disturbs me more is the double standards of the society; calling them fortunate on an event and disgusting them otherwise.
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It is a very important and an untouched topic which you’ve brought up through your thoughts. Although you’re right, fighting for themselves has given these humans their right to live respectfully in this society. That is what they can do because others don’t think that they have any right to do so and pay no attention to such issues. But it’s high time we need to understand that they have a life and wanna live it too. Great attempt towards it, proud to be your follower! 🙂
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You got it right, Archita. I hope everybody does.
Thank you 🙂
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I hope so too. Welcomes, Kritika! 🙂
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MInd blowing!!! Great, awesome, Superb… i have no words.
Kritika, you have earned a respect. What a thought, Superb writing. i truly loved it.
believe me, i don’t take much effort to compliment people but you have earned it. keep it up!! God bless you.
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I’m glad to know that. Thank you. 🙂
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Reblogged this on The Ugly Duckling's Life.
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Their existence might be ghastly and offensive to some or most of the people, but not to God and the whole universe. 🙂
This is just wow!
You have a great heart and a great attempt you made to create this awareness. 🙂
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No praise is enough for this piece… Marvelous. Fighting for the rights of minorities, making a stand for the right thing, and not punishing anyone for something they are born with… is some of the things that make us civil, otherwise it’s easy to make even animals discipline themselves in a zoo. We humans are supposed to be much more and evolved then them, as per our rich history of learning in civilizations… 🙂
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You are very right, Ali. Thank you for reading 🙂
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Yes..Kritika, totally agree. I have always felt that we are not doing enough for such people
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Much needed voice, powerful.
Love
B
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🙂
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Excellent, Kritika.
In very simple words you explained all.
Loved it.
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Thank you.
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India Gets Its First Transgender College Principal In West Bengal!(probably in world)
“Meet Manabi Bandyopadhyay”. A transgender, who’s currently Associate Professor in Bengali at Vivekananda Satobarshiki Mahavidyalaya and who is going to be the college principal when she takes charge of Krishanagar Women’s college from June 9.
I just find this news on internet.
here is the link
http://www.storypick.com/transgender-principal/
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Oh, is it recent? I didn’t know about it until now. This is a great news, though. I’ll definitely edit the post and add this too. Thank you for letting me know 🙂
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yaa, this news is very recent http://www.ibtimes.co.in/meet-indias-first-transgender-principal-manabi-
banerjee-bengal-633791
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The link isn’t available it says
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ok wait i will send another one,
The Hindu News
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/manabi-banerjee-all-set-to-become-indias-first-transgender-college-principal/article7251132.ece
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I read it and felt wonderful. I am glad that people are accepting them the way they deserve to. Thanks for the link, Pooja! 🙂
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yes, and this is the change which the whole world need, as we don’t have any control on our gender, it is totally decided by nature. we must have to respect transgender people as female or male, They also deserve reputation in society.
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Yes, absolutely right!
One brick at the right place each time would surely build a strong wall. Let’s hope such news keep coming 🙂
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Equality & impartiality are things which are spoken and written and its implementation is hardly seen or felt. And your post and its reach will definitely help make the scenario better 🙂 you have expressed it in the best manner !! Thank you Kritika for sharing 🙂
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I hope it does. At least change the mind set towards them. Thank you 🙂
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Yes it definitely does 🙂 People like yourself are starting a chain of reaction which is helping change the thinking of people in a positive way !! Great initiative 🙂
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🙂
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