What is a Hijra in South Asia

In a time when the social norms of gender identity and sexual orientation is being challenged at the highest levels of government and religion, regions in South Asia have already accommodated those whose gender identity might be considered a little more obscure by the Western world.

There exists in parts of South Asia, particularly in Nepal, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, people known as hijra. In the parts of society that accept and acknowledge them, this generally refers to a person – typically a man – who becomes transgendered later in life. They tend to renounce sexuality altogether, bearing both masculine and feminine qualities upon themselves. People of this “third gender” (which is now legally recognized in parts of the world listed above) are generally segregated from common society, whether by a will of their own or by being cut out forcefully. The term “hijra” itself is normally derogatory, particularly in the Urdu dialect of India, as it literally means “leaving one’s tribe.” Many hijra reside in all-hijra villages overseen by a guru, with several young males undergoing rites of initiation that include removal of the testicles, scrotum and even the penis itself.

Those that manage a life within general society tend to do so at the outermost margins and are normally regarded as one of the lowest castes. While it has been mentioned that many hijra renounce sexuality in total, it is interesting to note that many hijra usually eke out a living as sex workers and prostitutes, though others “earn” their keep through means of extortion, begging and performing at various ceremonies.

Only up until recently, hijra faced extreme discrimination from the rest of society with disproportionate health care, education and job and housing opportunities. They were known to suffer brutal, physical violence from crowds of people, and violence set upon them was rarely ever investigated by police due primarily to apathy. When India re-criminalized homosexual relations in 2013, attacks of physical, psychological and even sexual natures became more prevalent. Hijra and kothi, an entity separate from hijra who generally take a more receptive role in sexual relations (often, if not entirely, with heterosexual men) were particularly susceptible to attacks of this kind.

In early to mid-2014, legislation was finally passed in India that legally recognized hijra as a “third gender,” and thus awarded them proportionate opportunity for jobs and education, although they are also legally recognized as a “socially and economically backward” class who still linger on the fringes of society.

Although the progress is slow-going, recognition of basic human rights in the communities where hijra are most prominent is moving forward. India and Pakistan, in particular, have recognized hijra as a legal “third gender” and extended opportunities for growth through jobs and education, though there is still struggle for hijra to become more highly involved in government. While Pakistan first allowed a hijra to stand for election in 2013, other communities find it difficult to participate fully in the democratic processes of their regions. In order to vote in India, one must identify as either male or female – a task impossible to carry out for a hijra who identifies as neither in regard either to gender identity or sexual orientation. In this way, hijra still struggle to attain equal recognition as males or females in society, though it is difficult to argue against the progress that has been made thus far.

The Top LGBT-Friendly Countries In The World

When it comes to gay rights, there are some countries where it is better to be gay. These countries recognize marriage between individuals of the same gender, have protections against discrimination in employment, insurance, and education. The United States has lagged behind these countries for years, often neglecting sexual assault cases of LGBT victims and denying them fundamental rights, but with the Supreme Court decision upholding gay marriage has helped improve conditions in the U.S., too.

There are 11 countries where same-sex marriage is legal. Seven of these countries are in either Scandinavia or western Europe. There is only one country in Africa and one in Latin America that allow gay couples to marry.

As a tide of goodwill toward couples of the same gender and gay individuals moves across the globe, attitudes about homosexuality are being altered. There are several countries that are way out in front when it comes to accepting the LGBT community and making these people feel welcome.

The Netherlands is one of the most accepting countries on earth. They are an extremely liberal country and known for their acceptance of the LGBT community. They were the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage and have a strong lesbian and gay community.

Another country that welcomes members of the LGBT community is Spain. This is a relaxed nation where most of the residents are advocates for gay rights. More than 85% of the country feel that Spain is a great place for gay and lesbian individuals to live.

In North America, Canada takes the lead in welcoming the LGBT community. Most Canadians support gay rights and the vast majority of the population believes Canada is a great place to live if you are gay. Canada was the first non-European country to legalize gay marriage and is in the forefront of fighting for gay rights.

Even though gay marriage isn’t legal in Germany yet, more than 87% of Germans support gay rights. The country welcomes everyone and has a robust and growing gay and lesbian community.

Belgium is another welcoming nation when it comes to gays and lesbians. The majority of the population of this small European nation believes it is a great place to live if you are gay or lesbian. Gay couples are allowed to adopt and same-sex marriage is legal.

Australia is also very welcoming to the LGBT community. Most Australians support gay rights and Sydney is one of the gay-friendly cities in the world.

Defining The Term “Shade”

In modern slang, the idea of throwing shade has become popular according to Jim Cramp.

It is commonly used in conversations, and it’s one of those developments that has only grown in stature as time has gone on. For those who don’t use this term as frequently or might not know how it came about, this read is going to shed light on throwing shade.

Here is more on what it means to “throw shade” and why it is commonly used in modern slang.


In general, the idea of shade is to show contempt towards another person.

This can be direct or indirect depending on the situation. In most cases, it is done subtly, and the goal is to put down the other person while being smooth. Modern examples tend to show this as any form of insult that is directed at another person.

How It Came About

Every term has an origin story, and the same applies to this one.

Throwing shade came about when the movie “Paris Is Burning” was released in the early 80s. The idea was to illustrate a person being put down in one of the drag scenes that took place. Of course, time went on, and it didn’t truly catch on until 2015.

This is when the show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” mentioned it.

It was something that was brought up as being common in the series. For example, if one were to get a new car that was not as nice, they would say something along the lines of “Nice! Look at that car!” and it would be done with a hint of contempt.

This is why the idea of throwing shade has taken off because it can be done in various walks of life.

The goal is to remain as subtle as possible, so the other person doesn’t pick up on it. This is when you are throwing shade. If you cross the line and make it direct, it is harder to get out of it, and that is when you have entered a new territory of insulting someone.

It is not a science, and that is why it is seen being used in modern slang to define a number of insults or sayings.

It is now seen being used in all age groups and is something that is common among younger people. It has a more substantial presence in pop culture as well.

Understanding The Term “Campy”

Recent trends have started to show a move towards campiness or being “campy” due to its appeal. This is a unique concept that has been used sparingly in the past but has now become a big part of how art is created.

This read is going to highlight what it means to be “campy” and why it remains such an intriguing component in various fields.

Definition of Campy

Before starting, it is best to take a look at the core definition of campy as a term.

Being campy means, one is looking to highlight key absurdities in life using outlandish or absurd caricatures. This can be done in various ways depending on whether it is a painting, movie, or something else. The idea is to be wacky and stand out from the status quo.

This is something that has caught on in recent times and is something many professionals like to incorporate in the work they put out.

Purposely Awful

Ever seen a movie where everyone is doing exaggerated things to get a laugh?

This falls in with the idea of being campy. The idea is to stand out and know the audience is going to feel odd about what is taking place. It is something that has been seen in many movies including some of the more prominent films of recent times.

This can be done in a number of ways such as the use of unique special effects or even the costumes worn by characters in films.

By being purposely awful, it is easier to set the tone and come across as being campy.


What are some of the prominent examples in recent times?

Some of the more campy films include:

1) Austin Powers
2) Zoolander
3) Batman Forever
4) Bride of Chucky

Each of these movies had elements that were evidently campy. They were made to stand out and look different to what would be deemed “normal.”

This is the charm of being campy and is something that is now seen as an aesthetic part of art.

The goal was to illustrate some of the subtleties of life in an exaggerated fashion to emphasize their presence. In the earlier years, it was an extension of using gay characters, but that has changed to a universal definition in recent times.

It is now more of an aesthetic theme that is used to differentiate between characters, settings, and plots.

The Gay Rights Movement

Through many years, people had to live a secret life, afraid to be open with who they love. They would be fired from their jobs, lose their families and friends, and sometimes be arrested for being a little different. But that did not stop us! We protested, we found safe places and in 2015, two years ago, The Supreme Court recognized all of our hard work when the marriage between a same-sex couple became legalized. People like those who rioted at Stonewall Inn and others who fought for our rights like Harvey Milk and more modern activists like RuPaul and Meghan McCain.

CNN put together a highlight real of the gay rights movement showcasing the efforts of our brothers and sister. It’s quite extraordinary to watch. Who are some of your gay right activist heroes? What struggles have you gone through? Feel free to share with us. And always remember that LOVE IS LOVE!