International Journal of Education and Psychological Research

(Print and Online Peer Reviewed Journal)


Print - ISSN: 2349 - 0853
e - ISSN: 2279 - 0179

VOLUME 8 - ISSUE 3

(September 2019)

A study of Attitude of Teachers, Parents, Corporate Community and Transgender Community of Mumbai Towards Transgender Inclusion


Authors: Sahibpreet Singh Kochar, Dr. Mandeep Kaur Kochar

Pages: 1-5

Abstract:

When you meet human being the first distinction you make is, ‘male or female?’ and you are accustomed to make that distinction with unhesitating certainty. -Sigmund Freud In the recent past in India, the Supreme Court created history on the landmark judgment of transgender community by giving them the status of "third gender". The apex court said that trans genders will be allowed admission in educational institutions and employment in offices on the basis that they belonged to the third gender category. It would be the duty of states and the Centre to devise social welfare schemes for third gender community and run a public awareness campaign to erase social stigma. The Supreme Court said the states must construct special public toilets and departments to look into their special medical issues. The apex court also added that if a person surgically changes his/her sex, then he or she is entitled to keep her changed sex and cannot be discriminated. The bench clarified that its verdict pertains only to eunuchs and no other sections of society like gay, lesbian and bisexuals who are also considered under the umbrella term 'transgender'. The bench said they are part and parcel of the society and the government must take steps to bring them in the main stream of society. The Supreme Court declared that schools have their duty to educate children of third gender in general education classrooms. Inclusion means all types of students in school, regardless of their strengths or weakness in any area, become part of the school community. They are included in the feeling of belonging among other students, teachers, and supportive staff. Inclusion now a days has a wide coverage which takes cogence of not only the people with physical and other disabilities but also of people belonging to down trodden class to transgender community. Keeping this in mind the present study focuses not only on the educational aspects but equally on social, health, political aspect of inclusion of transgender community in specific. Transgender Inclusion is no more a debate now; their inclusion is implemented by Government. But we need to ask ourselves.... • How much equipped the present existing system is to face transgender inclusion? • How much do we focus on these issues while educating and Training to our upcoming students and teachers? • Are we doing enough to create general awareness among the parents, children & citizens? • Do we develop enough skills in our existing and future teachers to face the challenges of transgender inclusion? • Are we doing enough to develop positive attitude for the change to be accepted? • Are we mentally ready to build the bridges between the genders? • Is the school curriculum fair enough towards all genders? • What input is expected from teachers training institutions? • What Strategies are needed to be developed for inclusive class rooms, is truly “Achallenge for future Teachers”