Silent suffering: exploring the devastating sociopsychological stress of COVID-19 lockdown on the Hijra community in Kolkata metropolitan, India

This research paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the Hijra community in Kolkata metropolitan, India. Hijras, also known as transgender, have been historically marginalized and subjected to discrimination and violence. The study draws upon interviews conducted with members of the Hijra community to explore the economic, social, and health consequences of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. The findings reveal how the lockdown has exacerbated the already precarious conditions of the Hijra community, leading to loss of income, social isolation, and increased stigmatization and deteriorating mental health. The study highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to address the unique challenges faced by the Hijra community during times of crisis and to ensure their inclusion and well-being in the post-pandemic recovery. The article concludes that the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown have intensified the vulnerabilities of the Hijra community, causing a silent but devastating impact on their wellbeing and livelihoods.