So, there's a generic sect of trans-female in India called the Hijras, who due to lack of jobs, resort to begging, extortion, sex work and other means to survive.
Usually, their MO is to travel by public transport, make the men uncomfortable into paying them (because Men get wayy too uncomfortable with anything remotely LGBTQ+), while threatening them that they'd reveal their private parts, or pee on them.
The Hijras go to weddings, and other ceremonies, and demand money in Lakhs of rupees, or else they would cast a curse on them, and unveil their private parts.
So, the context is a lot disturbing and peculiar. But given that they have very few opportunities in the job market, it's tough.
Anyway, the transwoman in the bus saw me, and asked me for some money. I was really depressed that day, as I was getting over a broken relationship, and it was really hard. I just said no. I did not show any disgust or anything. I was in my own world, and I couldn't care less about anyone. Then, the person sat beside me. We talked for a while (I didn't share any details, just told them that I was tired and working things out in my life). They were understanding.
This was the 1st of January, 2016. Almost exactly 10 years ago. I looked out the window as I listened to some songs. I dozed off. When I woke up, I noticed their head had rested on my shoulders, sleeping in comfort, without any troubles. Wasn't troubling me, so I napped again. Woke up after an hour or so, they too woke up. They had to get off the bus. So, they just wished me Happy New Year with a smile, and took off.
Now, this story is so close to me because, ever since my childhood, I've heard dark and negative stories of the Hijras, almost casting them as the bad omen to this society, as well as ridiculing them for their condition. I mean Hijra or Chhakka (another term for them) was often used as a derogatory term to insult one another. It was so dark and messed up, and nobody corrected us or themselves.
So, this was a 19-year old me, just noticing them as mere humans and nothing else. Understanding that they too are just as (or even more) messed up as us. And while all of us are mere screwed with our lives, there's no reason to hate each other.
I still go back to that day to make myself understand that we're all struggling, and we're all the same.
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