Climate change leaves trans Indians even more vulnerable

Climate change is a global reality impacting everyone, with India experiencing some of the most intense effects.

Shifting weather patterns contribute to food insecurity, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. The trans community, in particular, faces amplified challenges as limited access to resources further diminishes in crisis situations.

As India confronts climate change, the struggle for survival and dignity grows harsher for those most marginalised.

In India, LGBTQ+ individuals, especially the trans community, often experience family conflict leading to forced displacement, sometimes accompanied by violence or threats. Many trans people become homeless, frequently residing in low-lying areas prone to frequent flooding, which increases their vulnerability.

Many trans Indians engage in sex work or rely on earnings from begging in public areas such as streets, trains, and buses. Their survival means are severely impacted by floods, heatwaves, and other climate change-related events.

Trans Indians involved in begging are particularly exposed, often working under extreme weather conditions without basic facilities. They often have no choice but to continue working under strenuous conditions, affecting their mental and physical health.

The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, a policy research institute in India, has identified Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Bihar as particularly susceptible to severe climate crises. Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh also show relatively high populations of trans individuals.

They face additional health risks, particularly those with HIV or undergoing hormonal treatments. Extreme temperatures, common in India, can adversely affect their health and treatments.

The U.N. highlights that climate change exacerbates existing inequalities by disproportionately affecting the poorest and most vulnerable.

Efforts to improve the well-being of the trans community include the World Health Organization's development of guidelines to enhance trans health with evidence-based recommendations and implementation guidance for health sector interventions.

Marginalised communities, including trans individuals, faced heightened challenges during the 2015 Chennai floods due to limited access to relief and rehabilitation efforts. Many were forced into unsafe shelters and lacked access to food, medical supplies, and other essential services. The informal economy, crucial for many trans people’s survival, was severely disrupted during the crisis.

Trans individuals were also among the hardest hit during the 2018 Kerala floods.

They encountered discrimination in relief camps, where some were denied shelter and sanitary facilities. NGOs and activists emphasised the lack of sensitivity in disaster management policies toward the trans community, prompting discussions about addressing trans-specific needs in disaster response frameworks.

The climate change-induced floods in Assam in 2020 further placed trans individuals in vulnerable situations. Social stigma and, in many cases, lack of legal recognition hindered their access to government relief measures.

The floods resulted in massive displacement, and trans individuals were often sidelined in relief aid distribution.

Although there’s no specific data on India's trans community, this year’s heatwaves caused over 700 deaths nationwide, much higher than the government's official count of 360.

Activists in India have voiced concerns about the challenges the trans community faces during climate-change-induced disasters.

The Indo-Global Social Service Society, an NGO focused on eliminating social inequality, reports that the trans community experiences disruptions in their usual coping mechanisms during disasters. Trans individuals often become displaced or relocated to unfamiliar areas, losing connection with their existing support networks, thus facing the disaster's aftermath in isolation.

The IGSSS report also highlights that trans individuals receive low priority during rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.

It notes that disaster assessment forms typically list gender as only male or female, overlooking the specific needs and experiences of trans individuals. This exclusion hampers effective planning and delivery of relief efforts. Trans individuals who have undergone gender-conformation surgery may also face aggravated health problems during disasters, such as more infections and urinary tract issues.

The report further indicates that shelters often aren’t conducive for trans individuals due to discrimination and lack of acceptance. These facilities typically offer separate restrooms for men and women but lack gender-neutral options, leading to verbal abuse and threats when trans individuals attempt to use them.

Nepal’s trans community faces similar challenges from climate change as their Indian counterparts.

Catastrophic floods in Nepal on Sept. 26 caused approximately 219 deaths. Flooding and landslides displaced 12,000 families.

While specific data on the trans community’s impact is unavailable, the experiences of Nepal's trans community resemble those of their Indian peers during similar crises. The lack of targeted support and recognition of their unique needs in disaster response highlights ongoing vulnerabilities both communities face due to climate change.

The ‘Washington Blade’ contacted the Queer Youth Group, an LGBTQ+ organisation in Nepal.

Nanboong, the group’s communication officer, noted that while climate change affects the LGBTQ+ community in Nepal similarly to others, its impact is more pronounced among trans individuals.

“The government should create more tailored policies addressing the specific needs of LGBTQIA people concerning climate change, ensuring these communities are adequately supported during climate-related disasters,” said Nanboong.

The Blade also contacted Kalki Subramanian, a trans activist, queer artist, and actor who serves on India’s National Transgender Council.

She explained that many LGBTQ+ individuals face rejection from families, making them vulnerable to eviction. This lack of familial support, coupled with limited access to housing and employment, leads to significant mental and physical health challenges.

Subramanian emphasised the difficulties queer people face in acceptance within the job market and housing. She added that trans individuals, particularly those leaving school early, often end up in Chennai’s slums.

“Many of my friends from the transgender community live in low-lying areas near the sea and polluted rivers,” said Subramanian. “In these areas, they are somewhat accepted because others also marginalized live there. However, during floods and heavy rains, their livelihoods are destroyed.”

“Their homes are also ruined,” she added. “I have a friend named Kartika, who used to beg on trains and in markets. She wanted to start a business and opened a small idli shop near the slum. Unfortunately, after just two months, her shop was completely washed away during the rains, with garbage piling up due to flooding.”

Subramanian shared that after Kartika lost her idli shop to the floods, she was unable to recover and returned to begging. She lacked the necessary infrastructure and motivation to restart her business.

“The government should create policies that are more sustainable for the transgender community,” said Subramanian. “Due to the lack of support and employment opportunities, transgender individuals are also victimized by climate change.”

“On one hand, the government should focus on providing economic benefits, while simultaneously considering our community in climate change policies,” she added. “This should include how transgender individuals are treated during disasters.”