24/1/09
A petition in India’s Supreme Court could pave the way for official recognition of a third sex, according to campaigners for the country’s eunuchs. If successful, gender boxes on government forms could be ticked male, female or “kinnar”, the way the country’s estimated 1 million eunuchs describe themselves. Eunuchs once enjoyed a proud place in Indian society, gaining trusted positions in royal courts protecting noblemen’s harems.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/world/indias-third-sex-in-unique-appeal-20090123-7oo9.html