The Unconscious Perspective

I was 13 when I saw a group of Hijras for the 1st time. It was my uncle’s wedding and they had come over to bless the new couple, in the morning after the ceremony. They were loud! In the way they dressed. In the way they spoke. In the way they sang in their off tune nasal voice. They sang and clapped while dancing - a combination of totally unnecessary actions, I thought, considering they weren’t even invited to the event. The guests still present at the house quickly dispersed when the Hijras asked for money in return to blessing the couple. I was surprised how instantaneously even the friends scattered, leaving my helplessly irritated uncle amidst the slow strategically surrounding Hijras. The elders all around were either uninterested or felt disobliged to answer me, who was going around in a loop asking ‘Who are they?’, ‘Why have they come?’, ‘Is he a she?’, ‘Why is he dressed like a woman?’ Some told me to be quiet and to not ask such inappropriate questions. Some directed me wi...

I came across an article a few days back about Zomato - an Indian restaurant aggregator and food delivery startup - introducing 'Period Leaves' for its female employees (including Transgender people) and making it a part of their HR policies. I was happy to see the company acknowledging the existence and problems faced by one half of the society - the women - who are mostly either neglected, taken for granted or considered unequal to the other half - the men - by the general society. I congratulate Zomato for taking this progressive step. I can only wish that more companies make Period Leaves a part of their work culture. But what caught my attention and intrigue more, was the blow up about this initiative on LinkedIn, when a user posted and appreciated it. The reason for the eruption were some questions a friend of mine asked on the post, looking for some undeniable answers. He questioned (paraphrased): How honestly will these leaves be used? On other days will the same femal...