Mapping Structural Inequalities in Urban Spaces: Transgendered Perceptions and Challenges
摘要
This chapter examines how transgender (TG) communities navigate urban spaces by focusing on how accessibility to resources shapes their experiences and interactions with the environment. It aims to explore the embedded structural inequalities in these spaces and identify strategies to create more inclusive spaces. In doing so, the research employs a multi-step methodology by first mapping the residential spaces of transgender (TG) communities in Pune, Maharashtra. It further delves into mapping their daily activities across private, work, and social spaces providing insights into their spatial patterns, behavioral adaptations, societal interactions, and the complexities of their lived experiences. The study uses follow-on method, field observations, photographic documentation, and semi-structured interviews with a snowball sampling technique to engage with TG populations. The survey addresses key themes including everyday movement and socio-spatial experiences of transgender individuals, safety concerns, access to public resources, and future aspirations to map the narratives and build a case for spatial patterns of inclusion and exclusion. By foregrounding issues of spatial justice and inclusivity, this chapter advances an interdisciplinary understanding of how equitable access to urban space contributes to socially sustainable cities. The findings help to inform urban policy makers and spatial planners to foster safer, more inclusive environments for transgender communities.