Nowadays we often talk about “gender equality,” “women’s rights,” and “men’s responsibilities.”
But amidst all these discussions, one big question remains – where are those whose identity is neither male nor female? Where do they stand in society?
These individuals call themselves non-binary – meaning, their gender identity does not fit into the two conventional boxes recognized by society.
Let’s understand what non-binary means
Since childhood, we’ve been taught: boys wear pants and play football; girls wear sarees and learn to cook.
But the truth isn’t so simple. There are some people who cannot identify themselves as either of these two categories. They might feel, “I am not just a boy or a girl – I am me.”
This feeling of self is what we call a non-binary identity.
Imagine a boy named Rahul growing up in a village in the Sundarbans. He stays with the boys in school but prefers wearing clothes that society considers to be “girls’ clothes.” His friends tease him and call him “girly.”
Again, there’s a young woman named Reena, who feels different even among girls. She keeps short hair and walks in a way we usually associate with boys. Yet, she doesn’t want to call herself a “boy” either.
Both of them appear a bit “different” in society’s eyes, but in reality, they just want to live as they truly are.
This feeling – of simply being oneself, beyond labels – is the essence of non-binary existence.
What does it mean to be “different” in the eyes of society?
In our society, gender is still viewed as something tied to physical anatomy.
At birth, based on one’s body, people declare, “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” – and from that moment, separate rules, roles, and expectations begin.
But when it comes to non-binary people, society becomes confused – because the idea that someone could exist beyond male and female is beyond the common imagination.
This confusion often leads to discrimination.
There are no separate clothes, workplaces, or even toilets for them.
They often spend their lives facing ridicule, humiliation, neglect, and loneliness.
Even families sometimes think it’s a “mistake,” a “shame,” or a “disease.”
If someone’s behaviour does not fit neatly into one of the two boxes, society repeatedly tells them – “This is wrong.”
But behind this idea of “wrong” lies an old social belief – that there are only two genders, male and female, and those who see themselves beyond these are unacceptable.
The experience of non-binary people in the Indian context
The stories of non-binary people in India are very old.
We often hear the word “Hijra community.”
Many of them fall under the broader umbrella of non-binary identities.
They have fought for years to find their rightful place in society.
But society has, for generations, forced them into limited livelihoods.
Even when they wish to engage in other forms of work, they face numerous barriers every day.
In 2014, the Supreme Court of India recognized transgender people as the “third gender.”
It was a historic step, but in reality, there’s still a long way to go.
Government documents, schools, hospitals, and workplaces still haven’t created inclusive spaces for them.
Many struggle to find jobs, face rejection when renting homes, or experience discrimination in healthcare.
Still, from cities to villages, the wind of awareness is slowly blowing.
Young people are talking more openly now, trying to understand what “gender” truly means.
The fight of non-binary people is not just for themselves
This struggle is not only for their own rights – it’s a fight to make society more humane.
When we listen to the stories of non-binary people, we realize –
equality means not just between men and women, but equal respect for every human being.
Change is happening gradually.
Gender awareness is helping people understand that –
“Earlier we thought boys are strong and girls are gentle. But now children themselves are saying, anyone can be strong, anyone can be gentle.”
This realization marks the true beginning of social transformation.
Mukti’s role – A new journey toward inclusion
Mukti has long been working across the Sundarbans on education, health, livelihood, and environment.
Now, Mukti is envisioning gender diversity and inclusion as an integral part of development.
We are holding discussions on –
● “What is gender identity?”
● “How does society view people of different gender identities? What does discrimination mean to them?”
● “How can we together create safe and respectful spaces for everyone?”
Now village women are joining these discussions, girls are asking questions, and teachers are beginning to think differently.
Mukti believes that change begins with understanding, and understanding begins with dialogue – and through consistent conversations, we can gradually transform our ways of thinking.
A new society in the light of change
It is only fair and just that people live according to the gender identity they feel within themselves.
Whether someone wants to fit into a conventional box or not should be their personal choice – not society’s imposition.
Those who see themselves beyond these familiar boxes hold up a mirror to society and ask –
“Have we truly learned to see everyone equally?”
If today we can listen with open minds, understand with empathy, and stand beside one another with love –
then one day, we will build a society where people are not measured as “boys” or “girls,”
but by their heart, their work, and their humanity.
Mukti believes – this change is not far away; it has already begun here, in the soil of the Sundarbans.
Here, everyone together is building a society where humanity, not gender, is the real identity.
And on this journey, we are all co-travellers –
dreaming of a society that is more humane, more inclusive, and more beautiful.
Nandita Jayraman
Program Manager – Rights, MUKTI