The discourse on transgender rights in India has gained significant momentum, reflecting national and global attention. Historically, non-binary identities were revered in ancient India, with third gender individuals like Hijras holding respected societal roles. However, contemporary transgender individuals face socio-cultural ostracization, a regression driven by cultural constructs rather than inherent prejudices. Recent legal advancements, such as the decriminalization of homosexual acts in 2018 and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, mark progress in recognizing transgender rights. Yet, entrenched biases, oppressive laws, and violence against transgender individuals persist, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and reform. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to explore the inter-sectional experiences of 19 adult transgender individuals in India. Through in-depth interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis, the study revealed how overlapping social identities - such as gender, age, socio-economic status, and religion - influence the human rights experiences of transgender individuals. These intersections affect access to rights and resources and social participation and contribute to compounded discrimination. The study highlights that despite historical contexts of acceptance, transgender individuals in India continue to face significant challenges. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive actions, including public awareness, advocacy, and inclusivity across all societal sectors. Addressing these issues is crucial for the well-being of transgender individuals. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 10 on reducing inequalities and SDG 16 on
promoting inclusive societies. Moving forward, a multi-dimensional approach involving education, policy reform, and community engagement is essential to reduce prejudice and ensure dignity for transgender individuals in India. Integrating an intersectional perspective is key to addressing their unique challenges and fostering genuine social transformation.

Intersectionality, social identities, human rights, India, transgender persons

Applied Psychology Around the World | Volume 7, Issue 2