Now, outsourcing plans for Bengal’s hijras
Shamik Bag


Kolkata, June 23: They hardly ever find mention in society, their characters stained by charges of violence, begging and prostitution. But at the root of the infamy associated with Kolkata’s, as well as Bengal’s, sizeable transgender community is ‘‘grinding poverty and incredible misconceptions’’, says Elizabeth P Jeffords.

Having interacted with members of the city and Howrah’s eunuch community, the 65-year-old American businessperson, director of TG Voices, a Wyoming-based organisation that ‘‘assists transgender individuals through creative and intellectual activities’’, has both hope and a business plan for Bengal’s 1,782-strong hijra population.