Hijra is a term given to eunuchs, intersex people, and transgender people in South Asia. Hijras are officially recognized as third gender in South Asian countries, being considered neither completely male nor female. Many hijras live in well-defined and organised all-hijra communities, led by a guru. These communities have sustained themselves over generations by “adopting” boys who are in abject poverty, rejected by, or flee, their family of origin. Many work as sex workers for survival. Varanasi, India.
©Ingetje Tadros