HIGHER EDUCATION FOR TRANSGENDERS IN GUJARAT: SOME INSIGHTS

Abstract

India being a democratic country, through Article 14 and 15 of its constitution provides equal opportunity to every citizen to grow and attain their potential irrespective of caste, creed, religion or gender. Despite this constitutional guarantee, the transgender community remained most deprived among the disadvantaged sections of the Indian society. They are still not accepted in the mainstream society; get fewer opportunities for their education and very small numbers have access to higher education. This study conducted through a focus group discussion systematically explores the problems and expectations of transgenders in higher education. The qualitative study was conducted in Vadodara city of Gujarat among transgenders who had higher education opportunities. Themes such as admission, institutional climate, curriculum, financial constraint and availability of resources were highlighted as major aspects that needed attention for the education of transgenders. The results reflect a discriminatory attitude, non-implementation of reservation policies, negative institutional climate, lack of support, lack of transgender sensitive curriculum, financial difficulties and inadequate availability of resources. The study discusses these problems in the line of transgender policies and literature and concludes with the suggestions for policy makers and stakeholders involved in the education of transgenders.