A Trans Tale: The Phenomenology of Challenges Faced by Transgender Community during COVID-19 Induced Lockdown

Background: As a preventive measure against the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) the Government of India imposed a nationwide four - phased lockdown (25 March 2020 to 31 May 2020) during the first wave while several states including Bihar announced statewide lockdown (5 May 2021 to 8 June 2021) during the second wave. These lockdowns forced the third gender community to move to their native places from where they left once for being "not normal". Their search for a home ended at toll booths, railway stations & bus stands. Decreased income, homelessness & loneliness made them more vulnerable. With this in mind, the study explores the phenomenology of challenges faced by the transgender community of East Champaran, Bihar during COVID-19 induced lockdown. Methods: An exploratory research design has been used for the study. Eight individuals with a "transgender" identity were selected with consent through purposive sampling. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Interviews were conducted thoroughly with the help of a predetermined interview schedule. Results: All respondents are of the age group of 20 to 35. No one has studied up to the higher secondary level and five out of eight respondents are illiterate. Lack of education and skill sets have limited them to occupations like dancing, begging & "badhai dena". Decreased income, difficulties in accessing medical health care (due to unavailability of public transportation facilities & doctors), stress, anxiety, depression, and remaining unheard were the major challenges faced by them while "The Gharana System", neighbourhood support, and hope were their saviour. Conclusion: The transgender community was at heightened emotional and social risks throughout the lockdown and like always their voices remained unheard. Social inclusion of the third gender community can be done by the community awareness about transgender issues and rigorous implementation of acts and policies related to them.