The Intersection of Transgender Identity and Family Institutions in Kashmir: Challenges and Resilience

This study examines the struggles of transgender individuals in Kashmir, focusing on family rejection and the rise of chosen families thereof. Using snowball sampling, 18 transgender individuals were interviewed in Kashmiri. Findings reveal that chosen families provide crucial emotional and social support but face legal and societal non-recognition, leading to challenges in accessing services and documentation. The study advocates for societal acceptance and legal recognition of chosen families to ensure transgender individuals receive government benefits and essential rights, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment in Kashmir.