Gender & identity

Hijra

Alsohijraskinnararavanihijdakhwaja sirathird gender

Definition

A long-established community in South Asia of people, mostly assigned male at birth, who live in a feminine role and are often recognised as a third gender.

At a glance

  • Hijra communities have existed in South Asia for centuries.
  • Most hijras were assigned male at birth and live in a feminine role.
  • They have their own traditions, kinship structures and ritual roles.
  • Several South Asian countries now legally recognise a third gender.
  • Hijra is a distinct cultural identity and does not map neatly onto Western terms.

In detail

Hijra communities have existed in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal for centuries, with their own traditions, kinship structures and ritual roles, such as offering blessings at weddings and births. Regional names include kinnar and aravani.

Several South Asian countries now legally recognise a third gender category, following court rulings and legislation in the 2010s. Despite this, many hijras still face discrimination in housing, work and health care. Hijra is a cultural identity with its own history and does not map neatly onto Western terms like trans woman.

In a sentence

  • The documentary followed a hijra household in Mumbai and its traditions.
  • Hijra elders were invited to give blessings at the wedding.

Where the word comes from

Hijra is a Hindi-Urdu word. Its deeper roots are debated by scholars. Regional names include kinnar and aravani.

Common questions

Is a hijra the same as a trans woman?

Not exactly. Hijra is a cultural identity with its own history, community structures and roles. Some hijras might relate to the term trans woman, but many see their identity as distinct, and Western labels do not fully describe it.

Are hijras legally recognised?

Several South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, recognised a third gender category through court rulings and legislation, much of it in the 2010s. Even so, many hijras still face discrimination in housing, work and health care.

Related terms