Homelessness, Poverty and Transgender Persons: Qualitative Evidence from the Garima Greh of Rajasthan under the SMILE Scheme, India

Abstract

Sexual and gender minorities in India have been victims of homelessness and poverty post­independence. Studies have shown that these factors have often found the transgender persons in a state of marginalization and also become subjects of Crime. The Indian government post the Transgender Persons’ (Protec­tion of Rights) Act, 2019 has established shelter homes for providing skill and livelihood opportunities to the transgender persons for a short term. This study delves into the working model of the Garima Greh of Rajasthan. The transgender persons find these shelter homes safe, learning space and a second innings to their lives. Such establishments have helped the community members to come out of homelessness and acquire skills for leading a better life ahead. Despite of becoming a success from the inception year itself, it has been studied that these homes are struggling due to lack of regular financial and administrative support by the government.