Never heard of Koovagam before but it is large festival every year dedicated to transgenders in India. Transgenders are ingrained in Indian and Hindu culture and often referred to as "Aravani". Ladyboys in India just achieved third gender status under the law, but they are a far way from having any equality. Most families do not accept the ladyboys. The methods they use for Gender reassignment surgery sound a little crude, elder transgenders use wire and hot oil for cauterization, YIKES!
There is many sex workers and clients that come to this festival and also a Miss Koovagam beauty competition.
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There is many sex workers and clients that come to this festival and also a Miss Koovagam beauty competition.
Every year, tens of thousands of people €” mostly trans women but also many tribal men €” congregate at Koovagam, galvanizing this otherwise sleepy town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The women are there to make new friends, earn money through sex work and achieve spiritual cleansing through Hindu rituals.
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