The recent recruitment of transgender individuals into Hyderabad’s traffic police is a step forward for transgender inclusion in India’s workforce. However, the bigger question remains—are we limiting inclusion to symbolic roles?
The transgender community has a new role in the Hyderabad traffic police department. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed officials to recruit them as traffic volunteers. The primary aim of this initiative is to give them visibility and recognition in society. For many trans people, begging at busy intersections has been their only option. This initiative gives them a chance to choose a better livelihood.
The recruitment process saw 100 applicants, with 58 transgender individuals participating in physical efficiency tests, including an 800-meter race, long jump, and shot put. After a rigorous selection process, 44 were shortlisted, and 39 successfully completed their training. These recruits will be deployed in high-traffic areas, assisting with traffic management while wearing a designated uniform and earning a fixed salary.
The initiative to recruit trans individuals as traffic assistants in Telangana should be recognised and celebrated. It offers much-needed employment and recognition to a community that has long been marginalised. However, when we look at the bigger picture, it’s clear that this is just a small step, particularly in national defence and civil service, where meaningful representation and inclusion are still lacking.
Where do transgender people stand in the Indian Armed Forces?
As of now, the Indian Armed Forces do not permit transgender people to serve. Globally, many countries have moved toward integrating trans people into their armed forces. At least 30 countries allow open service for transgender military personnel, including the UK and Israel. In 1974, the Netherlands became the first country to grant transgender people the right to serve in the armed forces.
Whether India will eventually join the ranks of countries that allow transgender individuals to serve in the military remains uncertain. In 2023, reports surfaced suggesting that the Indian military was considering recruiting transgender people for various defence roles. A joint study group was even established to assess the 2019 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act and its implications for the Armed Forces. However, the discussions are still at a “preliminary stage,” with no definitive actions taken yet.
In March 2024, a Kerala High Court ruling allowed a transgender woman to participate in the Armed Forces’ youth wing, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), as a female. However, it applies specifically to the NCC and does not extend to active military service.
The ongoing exclusion of trans people in the armed forces
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) holds the title of the world’s largest employer, with a workforce of approximately 2.92 million, including active personnel, reservists, and civilian staff. Yet, the MoD continues to exclude transgender individuals, hiring only cisgender heterosexual people. This practice directly violates the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, the NALSA judgment, and the Section 377 ruling by the Indian Supreme Court. And if someone is already serving in the MoD but undergoes gender affirmation surgery, there is a high chance of dismissal.
In 2017, the Indian Navy dismissed Sabi Giri, a trans woman, after she underwent gender affirmation surgery. Sabi, who had served as a sailor for seven years, challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court, arguing that her gender identity should not disqualify her from serving her country.
Instead of reinstating her, the Navy offered her a data entry job in a private company that worked for them. The position came with an 11-month contract and significantly lower pay. Sabi rejected the offer, not just because of the pay cut but because she had trained to be a sailor and had already proven her capabilities in the role. She had worked with the marine engineering wing at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam before being reassigned to administrative duties after her surgery. Eventually, the Navy dismissed her entirely.
Transgender inclusion in India’s workforce: The slow (and flawed) road
Everyone knows that the inclusion of women in the military and positions of power didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual process that faced resistance but slowly expanded as women proved themselves capable in various roles. However, with the transgender community, there is little to no movement toward their integration into the military or high-power positions despite the legal frameworks that protect their rights.
When women first joined the military, they often started in relatively sheltered roles, such as in the medical services branch. This branch was historically one of the first to include women, yet it also held deep misogynistic beliefs about women’s roles in combat and leadership. Though flawed, this step was necessary for women’s inclusion.
The military could, for example, begin by offering non-combat roles or positions where transgender individuals can gain experience and prove their abilities. As they gain acceptance and visibility, their roles can expand.
Transgender people, like women before them, face systemic resistance. But if starting in “safe” roles is what it takes to break down these barriers, then we should treat it as the necessary first step toward full integration.
Transgender inclusion in India’s workforce: The final thoughts
Initiatives like the one in Hyderabad are commendable. However, we should see it as the starting point, not the finish line. Real inclusion goes beyond offering opportunities in roles that are seen as “symbolic.” It means giving people access to meaningful positions in all fields, including those that hold power.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
