"Transgenders are an ugly reality of the Meitei society. According to some estimates, there may be well over 40,000 transgenders in Imphal valley alone. Generally, members of the transgender community move together holding each other's hands during the dance performances. We have rights to dance too at par with others," said Biju. "It is as if they question what we are doing in Thabal Chongba. Though the third gender is widely accepted and visible in public spaces of Manipur, their harassment goes untold during the dance programmes of the Yaoshang festivities. "They can't pass comments at women for fear of public backlash. "Often drunk men ask us to serve them oral pleasure during Thabal Chongba," said Naina, one of the many transwomen attending the traditional five day dance held at night during Holi or Yaoshang festivities. IMPHAL: The loud rhythmic beats of Manipur’s traditional Thabal Chongba dance muffle a lot of miseries, among which is the harassment faced by the third gender.
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