Being Kothi
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Raina and her friends live in Calcutta; they identify as Kothis. A Kothi is identified as a male at birth, but identifies with female concepts and ranges from feminine males to transgender women. Most Kothis seek to live a normal life within Indian society, but for many it is hard. Finding a job is difficult; many are marginalised and lack occupational options besides sex work. Raina was a sex worker and used to live in the Hijras community in Delhi. When Raina lost her parents, she decided to start a new life as a human rights activist. Rania often hosts friends at her house because in their own family’s homes they cannot dress up as women, wear makeup, be themselves.