MEDIA PORTRAYAL OF TRANSGENDER PERSONS IN INDIA: A CRITICAL SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i5s.2026.7000Keywords:
Media Representation, Transgender, Hijras, Bollywood, Advertisements, Indian SocietyAbstract [English]
Transgender persons constitute a diverse group whose gender identities transcend culturally imposed binary constructions of masculinity and femininity. Despite their long historical presence in Indian society, transgender communities have faced systemic marginalization, social exclusion, and cultural stigmatization. Media, as a powerful social institution, plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions; however, mainstream Indian media has historically rendered transgender identities either invisible or caricatured. This paper critically examines the representation of transgender persons in Indian media, with specific focus on Hindi cinema, television serials, documentaries, and advertisements. While certain media narratives have progressively attempted to humanize transgender experiences, negative portrayals continue to dominate, reinforcing stereotypes and societal prejudices. Drawing on sociological theories of identity, representation, and marginalization, this study argues that media portrayals significantly influence public attitudes and can either perpetuate exclusion or foster social acceptance. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for more authentic, inclusive, and rights-based representations of transgender lives in Indian media.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mansoor Ahmad, Aneesa Shafi
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