Rawal, dropped out of school while in the seventh grade following humiliating treatment by society, teachers, classmates and even family members. He said social stigma compelled him to leave his village. But until now, he has not able to get patronage in the capital.[break]
Rawal said that he has knocked the doors of various NGOs and other organizations but no one is ready to support him.
“I stood first in exams up to the fifth grade,” he said, adding, “But I could not continue study due to intense humiliation.”
The teachers used to tell him to leave the class and friends giggled at him.
“I was not allowed to attend classes in the sixth grade as classmates did not even let me to sit on the bench,” he said adding, “No one was ready to sit on the bench where I sat.” Despite not attending classes, he managed to sit for the final exams for the sixth grade and was through, but could not retain his top position.
Teachers did not scold students who teased him. “Instead, I was scolded by the teachers for refusing to leave the class,” he complained. He finally dropped out.
But discrimination has continued to chase him. His own mother often complained about his gender and the siblings felt embarrassed about him and complained that they were confused whether to call him brother or a sister.
Rawal said he was born as a girl, and his parents named him Lalita.
“Up to class three, I used to dress like girls, and there were no problems in the class,” he added. However, his tone and behaviors were alike boys. “Mother used to make me up like a girl, and I was compelled to hide my inborn nature,” he said.
As his male nature grew stronger with age, he felt extremely embarrassed using girl´s clothes, and would often tear his clothes, only to invite brutal thrashing from his father.
Rawal heard a lot of radio and television programs about the third gender while in the village, and decided to leave the village hoping better treatment in the capital.
But Kathmandu did not welcome him either.
He said he approached the Blue Diamond Society, an NGO working for the welfare of the third gender, but did not get support. “I am knocking the doors of NGOs and other organizations, but no one is ready to help me,” he complained. Rawal does not want to return to his village.
“I only wish to continue my studies,” said Rawal, who is temporarily camping with an acquaintance in Kirtipur.
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