Hijras – the third gender
They are neither man nor woman: The transsexual Hijras form a separate community within Hinduist society in India. Some of them are born hermaphrodites, others are castrated males or transsexuals, a few would call themselves females. Hijras earn their living by performing dances at celebrations, by prostitution or begging. They are ostracized by Indien society but they are also feared: According to popular belief, Hijras are protected by the goddess Bahuchara Mata and have the power to curse or to bless people. Our photos show Hijras in the village of Kuvagam in the Indian state Tamil Nadu. Here, Hijras meet once a year for a religious celebration that lasts two weeks.