Gender Equality and Sustainable Development: Narrativizing the Changing Dynamics of the Development Paradigm of Transgender Women in Urban Kolkata, India

Gender Equality occupies an uneasy relationship as far as the relationship between the State and society in India is concerned. The Constitution of India declares lofty ideals of equality while the society is deeply embedded in structural inequalities. This has placed the marginalized transgender community in a state of dysfunction. In 2014, the NALSA Judgement in India categorized transgender persons as 'Third Gender', and conferred entitlements and benefits regarding access to education, jobs, and other beneficial institutions. However, it has been almost a decade, and no significant development in the community has been noticed. This paper attempts to reveal the gaps that exist between the laws and policies on one hand and the socio-cultural challenges that prevail in society. The author focuses on 'real politics', that lies behind the policy of actualization. The present paper highlights the role of various agencies in promoting the upliftment and growth of transwomen in strengthening their capacity building and in advancing their freedom towards a sustainable future. The methodology of this paper is based on narratives and case studies of transwomen in urban Kolkata and tries to depict their struggles in everyday life. This work attempts to find out the road that can ensure economic, social, legal, and bureaucratic inclusion that will create a safe environment for the transpersons to live and work with dignity.