Making a living (Being eunuch in India)

In the culture of the Indian subcontinent a hijra (sometimes hijira) is a physically male or intersex person who is considered a member of "the third sex." Hijras trace their historical roots to Hinduism where they mirrored androgynous deities, as well as to the royal courts of Islamic rulers.

Making a living

Few employment opportunities are available to hijras (eunuchs), who must often resort to begging or prostitution (as Hindu temple prostitutes in premodern times). The men who engage in sexual relations with hijras are not considered gay in the Western sense, just as hijras are not gay but instead members of the third gender. In fact, some Hijras find husbands.

For many hijras, sex work is the only option because no one is willing to employ them because of their gender identity. Even as commercial sex workers, hijras are the most vulnerable group as they are placed right at the bottom of the hierarchy of sex workers.

This results in their having little bargaining power and being unable to ensure that their customers practise safe sex. They are also at risk of violence both from customers and the police.