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Eunuchs show all for truth's sake! (http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7242_1435261,00180007.htm)

Alka Rastogi
Lucknow, July 19, 2005

It's a reality check that's driving Lucknow residents nuts. Angered by imposters making money at their expense, eunuchs in the city have taken to lifting their skirts to prove authenticity.

In fact members of the third sex have also petitioned the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police to check so-called 'fake' eunuchs who are collecting 'badhai' and 'bakshish' on behalf of the community.

Con men, mostly unemployed youth from poor families, are reportedly cashing in on engagements, marriages, mundans and other social occasions. The problem is so severe now that genuine eunuchs have begun to feel the monetary pinch in various localities of Lucknow.

The UP Eunuchs Association alleges that such malpractice is widespread in many parts of the state.

The eunuchs are certainly fighting back to protect their earnings. They have formed supervisory squads to crack down on anyone asking for money in their name. As a result, clashes have been reported between groups of genuine eunuchs and imposters who gather at functions to demand 'bakshsih'.

A number of incidents have come to light in recent months. For example Hina, an eunuch, lodged a complaint with the Ghiazipur police station stating that a gang led by Shakeel of 17/740 Indiranagar was fraudulently collecting money at public functions. The two groups had a violent showdown over the issue sometime back.

Irate residents of Lucknow say that the verbal altercations between the opposing parties often turn ugly. There's little regard for public decency as eunuchs raise their clothes to display their private parts. They also challenge the imposters, both men and women, to disrobe and prove their identity.

While eunuchs earlier used the strategy to embarrass their victims into parting with more cash, they think it will also help them ward off the phonies.

Lucknow Police is however not amused by the ploy. They have warned eunuchs that they would be booked under various sections of the IPC if they don't desist from such outrageous behaviour.

I don't understand why they would be given money...

"Ok, so you went and castrated yourself. I care, because....?"

Eunuchs -- India's Third Gender (http://www.thingsasian.com/goto_article/article.1734.html)
By Nabanita Dutt

...

India is the only country where the tradition of eunuchs is prevalent today. There are about 1 million of them, though their role in life has changed drastically from that of royal servants, confidantes and friends.

Eunuchs, or hijras as they are called here, have become something to be feared. Nobody wants to be accosted by one of them - be nudged with their elbows, stroked on the cheek, taunted, cursed and flashed.

It's by taking advantage of this discomfort and embarrassment at their existence, that hijras in 21st Century India are making their living. Begging isn't their only source of income. It's an age-old custom in the country to have hijras bless childbirths, weddings, housewarmings and other auspicious occasions. The eunuchs are believed to possess occult powers, and their blessings - and curses - are both considered potent.

The community has a complex network system, which informs them of every happy event in the neighbourhood. No sooner has a baby been born in the family that a tinkle of ankle-bells herald the arrival of the hijras. They sing and dance and create a commotion outside the house until the mother has allowed them to look at the baby. Once they have blessed the child they demand exorbitant sums of money in lieu of their good wishes. The inspection also carries an ulterior motive. On rare occasions when the baby is born a eunuch, the hijras insist that the baby is given to them. Often, the families will comply to avoid humiliation in society, and the group will take the child away to their ghettoes to raise him as he should be: as one of their own.

...

India needs to get out of the 2nd BC.

It's one of the few countries that still has the plague in areas. THE PLAGUE!

On rare occasions when the baby is born a eunuch, the hijras insist that the baby is given to them. Often, the families will comply to avoid humiliation in society, and the group will take the child away to their ghettoes to raise him as he should be: as one of their own.

What?