Transmisogyny, a term coined by activist Julia Serano, refers to the unique intersection of transphobia and misogyny that transgender women face. This phenomenon is evident in various forms of media worldwide, including in India, where traditional gender norms and patriarchal values deeply influence societal attitudes. In this article, we explore transmisogyny in media and how Indian media perpetuates transmisogyny. We share examples from popular films, television shows, and news coverage. Moreover, we highlight the need for more inclusive and respectful representation.
Transmisogyny in Media: The Indian cinema perspective
Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has a long history of problematic portrayals of transgender individuals. Transgender characters are often depicted in stereotypical and demeaning ways, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and social stigmas.
1. Sadak (1991)
In this film, the antagonist, Maharani, a transgender woman played by Sadashiv Amrapurkar, is portrayed as a villainous, predatory figure. This depiction reinforces the harmful stereotype that transgender women are inherently evil and dangerous, contributing to societal fear and mistrust.
2. Tamanna (1997)
While this film attempted to illuminate the struggles of a transgender woman, its portrayal still leaned heavily on victimisation and melodrama. The narrative focused on the character’s misery and societal rejection without offering a nuanced understanding of her identity and experiences.
3. Laxmii (2020)
More recently, Akshay Kumar’s Laxmii faced significant backlash for its insensitive portrayal of transgender people. The film, which was intended to be a horror-comedy, used the transgender character as a source of fear and humour, further dehumanising and ridiculing transgender individuals.
Transmisogyny in Media: Television and web series
Indian television and web series also often fail to represent transgender characters authentically. When transgender characters do appear, storytellers frequently relegate them to the roles of comic relief or depict them as tragic figures.
1. Sasural Simar Ka (2011-2018)
In this popular soap opera, transgender characters were often used for comic relief or to add a sensational twist to the storyline. Such portrayals trivialise the lived experiences of transgender people and reduce their identities to mere plot devices.
2. Sacred Games (2018-2019)
Netflix’s Sacred Games included a transgender character, Kukoo, played by Kubbra Sait. While the character was more complex and sympathetically portrayed than most, her storyline still leaned heavily on tragedy and betrayal, perpetuating the notion that transgender lives are fraught with suffering and deceit.
Transmisogyny in media: The news media and public discourse
The news media in India also plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of transgender individuals. Coverage often focuses on sensationalism rather than substantive issues, contributing to the spread of misinformation and prejudice.
1. Tabloid sensationalism
Transgender individuals frequently find themselves the subjects of sensationalist headlines, which emphasise their gender identity in a derogatory manner. For instance, when transgender activists or community members are involved in legal battles or protests, the media often highlights their transgender status in a sensationalist way, detracting from the actual issues at hand.
2. Inadequate reporting
Mainstream news outlets often fail to provide accurate and respectful coverage of transgender issues. Reports may misgender individuals, use inappropriate language, or lack depth in understanding the complexities of transgender experiences. This inadequate reporting perpetuates ignorance and bias among the general public.
Transmisogyny in media: Steps towards inclusive representation
Despite the prevalence of transmisogyny in Indian media, there are emerging examples of more respectful and inclusive representation. Filmmakers, writers, and journalists are beginning to recognise the importance of authentic portrayals and are working to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding.
1. Super Deluxe (2019)
This Tamil film, directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, features a nuanced portrayal of a transgender woman, Shilpa, played by Vijay Sethupathi. The character is depicted with empathy and complexity, offering a more respectful and humanising representation.
2. Paatal Lok (2020)
The Amazon Prime series includes a transgender character, Mary Lyngdoh, played by Mairembam Ronaldo Singh. The show attempts to portray her struggles and resilience without reducing her to a mere stereotype, marking a step forward in inclusive storytelling.
3. News initiatives
Some Indian news platforms and independent journalists are striving to provide better coverage of transgender issues. They emphasise accurate reporting, use appropriate language, and highlight the voices and experiences of transgender individuals themselves.
The final thoughts on transmisogyny in media
Transmisogyny in Indian media is a pervasive issue that reinforces harmful stereotypes and marginalises transgender individuals. However, there is a growing recognition of the need for change. By promoting more inclusive and respectful representations, Indian media can play a crucial role in challenging societal prejudices and fostering greater understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals. As audiences, creators, and advocates, it is our collective responsibility to demand and support better portrayals of all genders in our media landscape.
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, which we define broadly to include 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.
