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India on my own terms – the experiences of a trans traveller
I recently returned from 3 weeks exploring Central India with my partner. This was an adventure for us on many levels, but personally this was the first time I had freely expressed my gender identity whilst on holiday. Before heading off from Sydney I looked on the internet for hints about what I might expect as a trans traveler but there wasn’t a lot written. So I’m posting this account to help other trans travelers to enjoy India.Read full blog entry here
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Experiences of a transgender traveler in IndiaOn reflection our trip was enhanced by my decision to travel on my own terms. At no stage did we ever feel threatened, and we were met with nothing but smiles. Indian women and girls were happy to approach us, and Indian men treated us with respect (and some amusement).
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Wherever we went we were the subject of constant good natured attention. We will never know how much this was a result of my being trans, or because we were fair skinned, or because ladies don’t travel on their own in rural India. But if you are a wallflower, avoiding attention and hoping to blend in, then this experience is not for you.[attachment=241]2-DSC_0183.jpg[/attachment]
English is not widely spoken outside the tourist centres, so our verbal interactions with Indians were quite limited. Waiters and hotel staff have learned to address foreign couples as Sir and Madam, and I was addressed in both ways quite randomly.There was something surreal about dressing for dinner in a Kurti, Dhoti pants and a scarf and being addressed as Sir. If you easily take offence at being misgendered (even by someone not speaking in their mother tongue) then again, this experience is not for you.
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But for those trans women who want to travel somewhere safe and welcoming, India in my experience is a perfect destination.
Trip Notes
Read full report here[attachment=243]2-IMG_3260.jpg[/attachment]
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5 Replies
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A bit of a change from Batemans Bay. Fascinating and interesting. Did you encounter Hotel Marigold?
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Like Faulty Towers, the Marigold Hotel is funny because so many aspects actually exist in real hotels. We stayed in many places which could have been competing for the Third Best Marigold Hotel award. Which is actually why we so love traveling in India.
Take a look at this Trip Advisor review for a particularly fun “Marigold Hotel” we stayed in. Basil Faulty would have been proud of it.
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g297647-d4831215-r547257593-Hammeer_Garhi_Heritage_Resort-Khajuraho_Chhatarpur_District_Madhya_Pradesh.html -
Thank you for sharing that information Adrian. The fact that it was a positive experience for you will encourage others to follow a similar path. Knowing what to expect is always half the battle.
I recently visited Sri Lanka but remained rigidly as a boy through the whole journey. My reason for doing so was that my on-line reading indicated that Sri Lanka is definitely not user-friendly for LGBT people. Homosexuality is illegal. Wikipedia says:
“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Sri Lanka may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Sri Lanka has an authoritarian climate for sexual minorities. Homosexuality is illegal under Article 365A and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for any of the protection given to married couples. However, the Government has announced that the Constitution of Sri Lanka bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.”
My experience in Nepal was similar in that there seemed to be a no tolerance policy towards LGBT people supposedly on the grounds that they are habitually child molesters (which of course is a stupid generalisation). That was some years ago but I doubt there have been any major changes.
So it is good to learn that the main part of the Indian sub-continent is not so daunting. Would love to hear more of your experiences in India, Adrian.
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How wonderful for you and thank you for sharing the story of your adventure.
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Excuse my quirky sense of humour, it will be the death of me. Seriously, I found your tales of travel in India, riveting to say the least. It’s travel that broadens the mind, especially when one ventures to places not usually on the tourist ‘must see’ Keep up the good work Adrian, I wait with baited breath for your next installment.
