Hijra - Indian Ladyboys

[Guest]

Guys,

Hijra are perhaps the strangest LBs on the planet. I did a few posts on them in the past. For example, they often castrate themselves, i.e., no doctor. They also live in commune like setups, and show up at marriages and the births of all males, dancing and chanting, to get money.

There is a CNN show this Friday (tomorrow). 7PM HK time, and I think 8pm Central European time.

I don't know if the show is good or accurate, but the topic is very interesting.

[andre459]

Part of the Mardhi Gras in Sydney they also have a film festival. This year I saw a film called Between The Lines : India's Third Gender a doco looking at the lives of Hijra in India. It followed 3 Hijras leading different lives : one was a dancer, one a prostitute and the other was living in a temple. It highlighted the struggle that they have to survive and earn a living. I would recommend it if you ever get a chance to see it.

[SamplerDoc]

I Wonder if This Will Show Here in the States  

[Guest]

(SamplerDoc @ Jul. 05 2007,13:52) I Wonder if This Will Show Here in the States

Yes, could be interesting to see that one...

[Guest]

Just this week there was a "news" piece on US tv of the Indian prince who came out of the closet last year. There was a lot of talk how homosexuality is against the law but it was a British law that is somehow still on the books. The Hijra were used as an example of acceptable non-straight behavior in India. They can aparently get visas, passports, etc as either a female or transgender, not male.

I remember meeting Jenny in BKK who got the operation and went to live in France just so she could legally qualify as a woman there so she would be able to return to Thailand years later and get papers in as a woman. She had me looking in India for a likeness of a particular deity that is worshipped by the Hijra. It's been a few years. I haven't seen Jenny and I'll admit I've forgotten the name of this deity. But I did get some funny looks when I inquired about it in India.

[Guest]

Any photos ... so we can all see her

[moe666]

Most info on these folk I have seen tends to deal with the negative side. They show up at weddings, funerals and other events to cause a scene and get the host to pay them to leave.
Having been to India several times I don't think I would get involved in the p4p scene there unless it was a very high class escort service, gg or ladyboy.

[stogie bear]

For example, they often castrate themselves...

Sure they do!

[Guest]

(stogie bear @ Jul. 09 2007,14:21)

For example, they often castrate themselves...

  Sure they do!

Not sure they do it themselves but the certainly have it done but a someone who is not a health professional.

I have been to India many times and have never seen a decent lb there. Tried very unsuccessfully to find any worth writing home about.

Unfortunately looks like I might have to go back there for a few months to work.

[Guest]

They castrate themselves = their mamasan.

As Ozzie noted, a non-professional. Perhaps an understatement.

They also allow it to bleed profusely to "let the man come out of them", of course, leading to occasional deaths.

[Guest]

I have seen and filmed beautiful hijra in Chennai. They are a bit rare, but you do see them begging merchants for donations. They have a certain power in the society and intimidate when contributors balk.

[Guest]

(bohemia @ Jul. 10 2007,06:16) I have seen and filmed beautiful hijra in Chennai.  They are a bit rare, but you do see them begging merchants for donations.  They have a certain power in the society and intimidate when contributors balk.

Where in Chennai mate? I have been there a few times and never seen any.

The was however a ladyboy festival on down south of Chennai but I could not make it.

Can't recall what is was called right now but will go back through my notes.

[moe666]

It is the old Madras on the east coast of India down south. There is a nice resort town south of Chennia called Mahabalaporian spelling not quit right also Pondicherry is interesting once a French colony it is also a bit futher south.

[Guest]

(moe666 @ Jul. 10 2007,12:57) It is the old Madras on the east coast of India down south. There is a nice resort town south of Chennia called Mahabalaporian spelling not quit right also Pondicherry is interesting once a French colony it is also a bit futher south.

I know where Chennai is I have been there 4 or 5 times as I already mentioned the place your are referring to is called Mahabulipuram which is the shore temples and I have been there also. Very nice place to visit. Never did get to Pondicherry but maybe next time.

I said where IN Chennai did Bohemia find the lb's?

[rxpharm]

Ozzie, the festival you are thinking about is held in Koovagam, which is located in Southern Tamil Nadu. Wikipeida has an excellent article about Hijras, but unfortunately does not specify where in Chennai they can be found.

Here is the link:
Hijra, Wikipeida