The Attempted Erasure of Trans People in Colonial India.

[@rohanxdavis]

This video is gaining new viewers once more, which is awesome! However there have been some vile new transphobic comments. To new watchers, if you are planning on writing any transphobic or homophobic comment on this video i will block you.

[@NithinJune]

hey i love your video and all of your content… Can we avoid using the word “transgenderism” as is considered derogatory in the US

[@rohanxdavis]

​@@NithinJunehey, could you please point out where I've said that?

[@rohanxdavis]

​@@NithinJuneI'm assuming you're talking about 19:45? If you are, that's a reference to what right wingers literally say, not how I would say it, but if there's another point in the video where I've said that I probably mispoke

[@DungEnjoyerr]

@@rohanxdavis based

[@apollicino2824]

Thank you 💛🤍💜🖤🌿

[@luclaurent5131]

Being in trans communities I hear a lot of passing reference to hijras, usually used to express the point that we as trans people have always existed. It's great to hear more about hijra history, particularly from an Indian perspective.

[@rohanxdavis]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! :) and yes, the Hijra community isn't really talked about in depth outside India, even their representation in our media isn't that great. Luckily we have lots of data and records, and the community is still fighting for more representation and rights in our country. The future is looking better as our youth understand acceptance and diversity.

[@8lec_R]

Love to see this. I would like to learn even more about them

[@hazeey4189]

aren't hijras intersex people? or they are called something else?

[@ajasen]

yes, I'm always super skeptical of the homogenized and superficial claims that American trans activists (of whom I am one) make about Hijra or Indigenous American gender variance. I also am suspicious of the related claim that it is the British that created transphobia in India. Yes there is clear historical evidence of colonial laws that institutionalize homophobia and transphobia, but my guess is that it was complicated prior to colonialism as well.

[@jiensuyang3915]

Hijra is intersex . Trans is not intersex

[@bigbugjpeg]

i just found out recently that the phillipines had trans folk that openly worked in traditional male or female roles freely before the spanish colonialism.... insane to me how the history is constantly scrubbed.

[@rohanxdavis]

Yup! Also, I've been meaning to do a deep dive on the history of the Philippines.. I should add that to my list of things to explore

[@Jordan-pf9ws]

Right on. I'll have to check that out

[@ewbrainwormies]

Would love to see this! ​@@rohanxdavis

[@Gelatinocyte2]

Yes! Kailangan ko 'to!

[@gothadelic9396]

The Scrubbing Is On Purpose

[@flashlightknife]

Punjabi-American trans man here. Thank you for making this video.

[@rohanxdavis]

Its my pleasure! 🙏🏾

[@parinikasharma317]

Wish you well paaji❤

[@shea1603]

hell yeah let's goo

[@pablokult248]

Unquestionably the best proof that sex is not the same as gender is the plethora of multigendered cultures pre-European assimilation, and the fact that many continued to this day in spite of colonialism. transness/queerness is human nature, always has been.

[@rohanxdavis]

Yup!

[@zenri5363]

Always will be

[@DungEnjoyerr]

Boy girl whatever we are bunch of blob and bone that the realy small.parts die everyday why do people still care about stuff like this when there are bigger issues like crocodiles

[@poagy]

@@DungEnjoyerrhey dude what’s wrong with crocodiles??!??

[@DungEnjoyerr]

@@poagy i dunno... They green. Anyway it was a reference to that american(?) politician talking about crocodiles so he didn't need to talk about trans issues

[@kunaihanaki]

(This isn't necessarily about my queerness btw) Someone i consider my sister sent me this. She is a Muslim in India while I am a queer trans Indian in South Africa. I was born and raised amongst hindutvas and still I keep my mouth shut about my queerness. I came to my sister asking her about castes and classes after realising how privileged I am. I wanted to unlearn and understand all the things my relatives had drilled into me was wrong. And she sent me here :] thank you for your channel this video made me cry happy tears

[@rohanxdavis]

@@kunaihanaki hey! Thanks for watching :) I'm glad you could take something away!

[@kunaihanaki]

@@rohanxdavis it was a delightful watch. i have subscribed and will be watching more :] !!!

[@racheal2004]

Kerela trans women here thank you for making a video on this❤️❤️

[@rohanxdavis]

@@racheal2004 glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@parinikasharma317]

Sending love to you chechi❤❤❤😊

[@racheal2004]

@@parinikasharma317 thanku :3

[@SpectreX-ps1jh]

omggg! im a kerala trans man!

[@davidedeus12]

Greetings from Brazil. Here, trans people are killed more than in countries where they are illegal, so there is so much to work for the trans people rights. Interesting to see how we come from so different worlds but have so similar problems. And yes, before the colonialists (in our case, the Portuguese) came, our native people have a view os sexuality and gender so much more inclusive and this was almost all wiped out.

[@RyuKyu.77]

Funny cuz I thought Brazil was the most queerest catholic country next to the Philippines

[@kad754]

The intersection of colonialism and queer identity definitely needs more discourse in the context of south asia and I'm glad this video exists. This was excellent!

[@rohanxdavis]

100%! Thank you for watching 🙏🏾🙏🏾:)

[@alwayssavage9592]

Colonial White ego ruined the world

[@ashchaudhary8338]

As a queer person thank you so much for this nowadays Indians ( including all ) and Hindus on internet follows the western hate they say “this is not our culture” ☠️ like ?. Do you even know your own culture or religion? more people need to see this video 💖

[@Cawny.]

Real

[@naveenmaurya8802]

I will appreciate if you do not equate Indian with Hindu. 'Indian' is a nationality, but 'Hindusm' is a mere religion. India is supposed to be secular and being Atheist myself, I'm sure you didn't intend anything malicious, it would be nice if you separate the two.

[@wanttolive1691]

@@naveenmaurya8802 go away maleecha

[@yohanx_]

so real... they think we are western? they are western lmaoaooaoa

[@wanttolive1691]

@@naveenmaurya8802 maleech

[@Church_of_the_Skittles_Snek]

Om Shree Bahucheraya Namo Namah. I Am a Hijra, and I Love Learning the History of Our Story of a Whole. Hari Om 🙏🏿

[@thecamelchannel1467]

Jai Bahuchara Mata!

[@reema-i7y]

❤❤❤

[@geenadasilva9287]

lankan trans woman in London. Thank you for this INVALUABLE information xxx your final three words in the video "acceptance not tolerance" made me cheer. I have been trying to tell anyone who'll listen that this is what is needed. Thank you again, Rohan, my brother. xxx

[@rohanxdavis]

@@geenadasilva9287 thanks for watching sister! I'm glad you liked it!

[@user-oc8it7lo2x]

thank you for including gender fluidity.. it means so much.. as a trans masc non-binary indian, the representation I've seen is close to negligible.. so your video was definitely a breath of fresh air.. just wanted to mention one thing.. since the terms "differently-abled", or "specially-abled" are often used by abled folks, and i totally understand the prerogative behind that.. it would be extremely helpful to use the word "disbaled" to destigmatize the negative connotations around this word. "disabled" is not a bad word and should be normalised.. although, i don't speak for every person with disabilities in this case as preferences vary from person to person.. as an AuDHD person, i would love to see the word "disabled" being normalised.. amazing content and research done by you!! I've already subscribed and going on a deep dive through your amazing content! keep up the amazing work ~

[@rohanxdavis]

Hey! I'm glad you liked the video! Yes I had a think about the wording while writing the script, and someone with disabilities actually recommended I use the word specially-abled so I rolled with that, and I had some commentors actually say that they appreciated the use of the word specially able, however I do agree with you that there shouldn't be a stigma around the word disabled at all!

[@user-oc8it7lo2x]

@@rohanxdavis kudos to you for all the efforts!! thank you!! looking forward to more content by you!! ^-^

[@technopoptart]

@@rohanxdavis hi, i am not indian but i am disabled and it does take away the disempowerment of the word to use it in a neutral/positive way. destigmatization is important too though i am glad you made your choice based on the opinion of someone who lives this life and not just guess at it.

[@_aconite_cj_]

Hi fellow trans masc non binary Indian! I'm trans masc genderfluid, nice to meet ya :D

[@user-oc8it7lo2x]

@@_aconite_cj_ ohhh hellooooo!!! so nice to see a fellow trans masc individual in the wild ✨

[@varun7335]

This is the first video ive seen by an indian creator on trans and nonbinary history. leftist content in the indian youtube sphere is so difficult to find and im glad i finally did. cant wait for more leftist deepdives ! thankyou for making this.

[@Countess1476]

Anglo-Indian Trans woman here, love learning about my families culture that they’ve tried to hide and forget. Thank you for this video! It’s amazing!

[@Shuhannazy]

As a US trans man. I glad to learn about trans history in other countries. I hate the suffering trans people face but I’m proud we are all fighting back. Thank you for this education.

[@ericf9479]

I really appreciate you mentioning muslim cultures having queer history, because i find myself slipping into islamophobia out if fear of hate and violence against lgbtq people. So its good to be reminded that things can be better, it has happend and we know it

[@rohanxdavis]

Oh definitely. In all honesty, no matter what religion one may follow, most Conservative, "traditional" sects of any religion, be it modern hinduism practiced by the conservatives in India, the Islamic extremists of Iran, or the Conservative Christians of North America, all of them will likely struggle with homophobia. Purely because of the portrayal of heteronormative relationships as the only option, or in the case of modern Hinduism, a twisting of perspective through the colonial lens, the colonial hangover. I grew up around many muslims, and most Muslims of our generation do not have a problem with queer people. I personally knew many openly gay emiratis as well in Dubai, and they have their own challenges navigating life as a gay person in the UAE. Its the boomer conservatives of any society that have a stick up their asses about it.

[@badluckrabbit]

even Buddhism has deeply conservative circles where it is taught that homosexual acts and gender-nonconforming behavior will result in a less fortunate rebirth, if not rebirth in one of the Hell Realms. These heinous views are embedded in every religious institution and must be opposed collectively by all of us, whether religious or non-religious

[@ChanakyanStudent7971]

Islamic law that was imposed onto india had extremely homophobic laws which caused killing, lynching, and mass massacre of non-hetero people. All the homosexual stuff was reserved for harems of Nobel's, like in Nazi Germany. I hate when commies whitewash extremely insidious people just for "equality" and "diversity" for those who want to absolutely abolish it.

[@ereristark425]

I think that's a slippery slope. All religions can descend into hate, but Islam isn't uniquely homophobic. There are many Islamic allies who do not believe in the hate spread by others. Let's all remember that at the core of religion, there are individual believers who have their own thoughts and opinions.

[@goldenbunnies4143]

as the child of indian immigrants, ive been desperate to understand more abt india’s culture and society and political state but have been unable to find a good place to learn from until stumbling across your channel. Your content is amazing, please never stop 💜💜

[@rohanxdavis]

@@goldenbunnies4143 thanks for watching!

[@Algrenion]

so refreshing to be recommended content about Indian culture and deep discussions about India from actual Indian people for once and not rude backpack vloggers this video was incredible, thank you so much for all your efforts here subscribed :)

[@rohanxdavis]

@@Algrenion backpack vloggers are the worst! In the colonial age there was a genre of orientalist literature that would give readers in the UK an idea of the exoticized, dangerous east, and I feel modern backpack vloggers fill that category in the modern age. The only backpack vlogger I like is Mark Wiens though, dude is awesome 👌🏾

[@divyanshtandon6123]

dude this is the kind of content indians need to consume. unlike todays fascist contents.

[@rohanxdavis]

Thanks! I hope more progressive Indians start making content!

[@Spagettigeist]

As a non-binary person, I greatly enjoyed this insight into a different culture's take on the trans topic. Thanks =)

[@MegaZayd1]

As a british indian ex muslim, learning about this side of history is liberating. Thank you, as I've questioned my gender identity and sexuality after leaving the Abrahamic beliefs, it helps me know I'm not weird or wrong. But rather they were oppressive.

[@g5studio21]

As a trans masc indian who isn't sure about his identity anymore due to lack of support thank you i really needed this video And also despite lack of presentation this managed to keep my attention for the entire half an hour runtime which isn't something I can say for every video so good job man keep up the good work

[@TheLeftistCooks]

This is incredible, I wasn't aware of any of this. Thank you so much for the education. - S.

[@rohanxdavis]

Hey Sarah! It's my pleasure, I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@VamshiOhgs]

This is such an informing piece of work and further proves that the British rule over India took so much, not limited to just goods, resources or uncountable amount of wealth but the values and harmony we once had, that can't be returned, the growth and development of multiple generations that they onced stunted can't be easily altered or overcome and we are forced to suffer from the consequences of the outcome that was directly influenced by them. Thank you for making this!

[@BotheredBoy]

This is fantastic. Thank you for making this! My aunt and uncle have a story about Hijras coming to bless my cousin after she was born.

[@rohanxdavis]

Hey, thanks for watching! And yes, lots of interesting stories passed from family to family about the hijra community. It's interesting how deeply rooted in our culture and mythos the hijra community is

[@architt4331]

You are right, and I am glad to see more people talk about this!! Great video!

[@LegalKimchi]

Loving this historical deep dive! Fantastic!

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you so much! That means alot! 🙏🏾🙏🏾:)

[@GensChilledCola]

I'm non binary but I wasnt familiar with much of indian/hindu culture especially regarding trans people, great video I've learned a lot!

[@FinntasticMrFox]

Can't believe I forgot to leave a comment, because this is one of my new favourite videos. Brilliant education tool, and such a powerful point, thank you so much for making this. 💙

[@rohanxdavis]

That means alot! Thanks for commenting and sharing the video 😁🙏🏾 I'm glad you found it valuable

[@wyvernscale9634]

As a trans woman from the US, I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate the chance to learn about this history and the experiences of my trans siblings in India! Thank you so much for a wonderful video, and here's to hoping my comment helps shows this video to more people. Here's to a hopeful future for everyone

[@blrryanii_]

As a (closeted) non-binary indian, I really appreciate this video I wish my family could see this video to further understand their own culture. A lot of indians talk about how colonisation has ruined India, how everything was better before and wanting to revert back to the olden times but at the same time they're also very homophobic and transphobic which for me defeats the whole purpose of being pro hindu. Why are you nitpicking parts from your own culture you want to restore? Why are we forgetting that queerness was and still part of our culture? Anyways, great video

[@corgispotter]

This is such an important video. It's sad that even as an Indian trans woman, I am unaware of all this history.

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you for watching! I had no idea either until I dove into the literature!

[@walpurgisnight7]

Trans people have always existed. It is a relatively recent development to feel such acute hatred towards their existence. Indigenous americans sometimes revered the opportunity for one person to be blessed with two souls inhabiting their body in harmony. It's tragic to see how, with all of our societal advancements, we have regressed to such a disgraceful place of ignorance.

[@JaceReboot]

Just dawned on me as a trans masc human… the argument we want and get male privilege is sorta easily disproven by the simple fact we are rarely even considered in anti trans debate. We are invisible, because at core many still see us as women and thus incapable or childlike. When we are debated it’s on the ground we lack the ability to make informed self determination based choices… if we had male privilege we would be the focus in any debate about trans undertaken within a patriarchal/misogynistic system. But the focus on trans femmes outs the bigots as still seeing all trans in terms of assigned or presumed gender

[@ajasen]

male privilege comes with deep costs anyway. Being treated as dangerous, being treated coldly, for trans masc ppl separation from preexisting social groups, and as you say, never being taken seriously anyway. 😢 I'm trans femme but do not for the life of me see how it's somehow easier for trans masc ppl bc of male privilege... we are all choking on patriarchy, and there are definitely superficial privileges that are valued by our culture, but they don't help individuals be full authentic people, and they sure as hell don't help trans people.

[@ishuboshi]

1000%. Individually, passing/stealth trans men have male privilege. Structurally, trans mascs as a group are denied their masculinity and humanity, and are understood as women by the powers that be. It's interesting intersection

[@MidnightEkaki]

Great video. I am a trans person and my grandmother came from India but since she was adopted to here in Australia at a young age and didn't talk too much about living there I don't know too much about the culture so I'm happy to learn more about this subject.

[@rohanxdavis]

Hey, thanks for watching! I'm glad you felt you could learn a bit more :) 🙏🏾

[@neoaylin5639]

love your pfp lol

[@Aerlas]

Algorithm boost. This video deserves a lot more views.

[@connerblank5069]

Shout out to Judge Straight, for defying expectation and being one of the good ones.

[@objectreborn.artsewing]

That was an excellent video. I'm a trans guy in the US. ....what a time to be alive 😅🥲✌️

[@surplussurplus-wp6pi]

I'm an Indian transgender woman. I *am* biologically female after transitioning. Thank you SO much. This is ESSENTIAL. *ESSENTIAL.*

[@rohanxdavis]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@surplussurplus-wp6pi]

@@rohanxdavis Of course! It's one of the most well edited and beautiful videos I have seen on genderqueer people.

[@nv6494]

Just came across this video, this is the sort of video I have been looking for for years now... thank you so much for speaking on gender fluidity and variety in India. So many people believe being trans is not something Indians can do, but such communities have existed in India for so long. It is heartbreaking when we support concepts imposed by our own former oppression, but I am proud of more people becoming more accepting. Pakka I will be checking out the beerbiceps interview with Sushant and also subscribing to you!

[@rohanxdavis]

Thanks for watching! Oh and a word of warning about beer biceps btw! Haha. So that specific interview from a few years ago is great because their podcast was hosting alot of different points of view. However the beer biceps roster has become increasingly right wing and reactionary since their stated motivation for pushing certain content is only driven by the algorithm. And hate and conspiracy theories do well in numbers. So I caution you against watching their newer content especially featuring historical revisionists like abhijit chavda, and indian Ben shapiro, J sai deepak. Who are very transphobic, xenophobic and racist! So, basically, don't watch their new stuff hahaha

[@nv6494]

@@rohanxdavis Ahhh thank you very much for the warning. That is disappointing to hear about beerbiceps, even though it's not surprising given how many views reactionary content gets more these days. I feel like the last thing anyone needs is an Indian Ben Shapiro, will gladly be avoiding him😅

[@fauxrowsdower7610]

FD signifier recommended your video about hindutva and after I saw this video i subbed at the speed of light :D thank you for this, i'm a trans guy and it always makes my day to see an ally standing up for us!

[@rohanxdavis]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for subbing! 🙏🏾

[@clcverblooms]

Great video!! Very informative and helpful ❤ (- a malayali, btw 🙋🏽‍♀️)

[@rohanxdavis]

Thanks for watching! 👋🏽

[@bills-beard]

Thank you, we need more voices from these communities speaking from first hand and historical experience. I learned a lot

[@rohanxdavis]

I'm happy you did! Thanks for watching :) 🙏🏾

[@ChanakyanStudent7971]

This is not a first hand account and is very deeply biased.

[@ChanakyanStudent7971]

And it is also not comming from the community itself

[@line6149]

Acceptance not Tolerance. What a great line. Thank you for making this video.

[@firstuser5448]

Excellent piece. Very well put together. Need more stuff like this from Indian creators. Keep up the great work.

[@sierrah5928]

This was so great and informative. I’ve always wanted to know more about Hijras in history and this was great!!

[@chrisnelson6663]

Working my way through your catalog, but wanted to say your videos are a breath of fresh air.

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you! 🙏🏾

[@MainelyMandy]

Very informative! Thank you for sharing. I especially loved all the stories at end!

[@rohanxdavis]

My pleasure! Yes! there are some great tales from ancient texts and oral traditions around India, with their own regional idiosyncrasies. Thank you for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@NaritaZaraki]

I love love love when I come across a video that, even just a few minutes in, I can tell that I'll be rewatching it multiple times! It's like having some emergency chocolate hidden away for when I need a pick me up XD Great educational video! Thank you for your work! ^_^

[@rohanxdavis]

It warms my heart to hear that! Thank you for your support and thanks for watching :)🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@pewpewbanana]

Commenting becaue I want more indians to see this, much love ❤❤

[@crazziii_]

Thank you for another great video and the additional resources! I've only ever had a minute understanding of LGBTQ+ history in India, so this was a great introduction into the wider history!

[@rohanxdavis]

Thanks for watching!

[@milascave2]

If being "impotent"is a crime, the jails must be full of elderly men.

[@wordscapes5690]

I have many LGBTQ friends. I only have two trans friends. They are an extreme minority. I cannot believe how the straight community is making such an enormous hullabaloo about this non issue.

[@emmanarotzky6565]

It’s probably just where you live. I‘ve had a lot more than two trans friends, and more than two trans relatives in my family alone. There are as many trans people as there are redheads. Also anyone’s rights being threatened is a major issue, even if it’s a small group.

[@wordscapes5690]

@@emmanarotzky6565 I don’t think you understood what I was trying to say. Besides, your stats are wrong. Consult actual statistics. Try not to get offended when allies stand up for you. Save it for your enemies, who outnumber you a hundredfold. ;) Trans people’s rights are a NON ISSUE because they are as normal as anyone else, who are also non issues. I said the straights should stop howling about non issues and focus on actual issues. I m not saying trans rights are not important. I am saying they are a fundamental human right and should not be up for debate. That is… a non issue. Like the existence of gravity.

[@SpectreX-ps1jh]

@@wordscapes5690 u made a point, but i have to point something out: "Try not to get offended when allies stand up for you. Save it for your enemies, who outnumber you a hundredfold. ;)" When you say something, that may be wrong, that may be misinformed, and a queer person says something, you, as an ally, should accept that. And the sentence reads....weirdly as a threat?

[@wordscapes5690]

@@SpectreX-ps1jhI am saying that this is a non issue. Trans people are a fact like gay people or lesbian people… or people of different skin colours. It should not be a problem. The fact that it is a problem, tells me there is something wrong with the straight cis community.

[@VivekAnandJ]

One view point that transformed my thought was "Are hijras or Kinnars not human?" And wexdont realise how much we dehumanised them from childhood. 😢

[@nayantaranarayanan5404]

i’m extremely binging all of these videos. they’re just SO good

[@Jordan-pf9ws]

Very interesting. I'm a transman and it's always great to learn about out history even if its almost always about people born male. . Thank you for your video.

[@rohanxdavis]

@@Jordan-pf9ws thanks for watching! Rudrama devi was born a woman though!

[@ankurmishra9923]

The best video on this I have seen ever.

[@masakiyaguchi8976]

I am beyond impressed as to how well this has been put together. You deserve so much more exposure on this video because of its quality and i'd also like to point out that i specifically love how u didn't bring many colonial lords personal lives into account as u spoke of what rules they brought forward. I'm a strong believer in separating a persons work from their personal life so seeing that that is the case here brings me great joy and satisfaction. I'd love to know the process as to how you do your research because of the quality level that is so clearly seen. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS AND THANK YOU FOR EDUCATING ME AS AN ALLY!!!

[@gollossalkitty]

This is amazing, and I'm glad I didn't get this info from a non-indian person.

[@ls-sk5iv]

Thank you for such a well-researched and insightful video. I hope more people share this video. ❤❤❤👏

[@rohanxdavis]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@zkay1546]

Great content!! Cheering for you, thank you so much for sharing trans/leftist related content from outside the Western hegemony!! ❤❤❤

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you for the support! :)

[@b.valentine2298]

Thank you for correcting the narrative. We exist, we’re out there and we’ve always been

[@jennysquibb7440]

Colonialism sure has been pernicious. I appreciate you sharing this!

[@eski5084]

trans and nonbinary folk have *always* existed, and here's another great example

[@paulkoecher9489]

You make epic content, friend! Thanks a bunch, and love from Berlin ❤

[@jaydef6497]

Honestly this video was so good!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@rohanxdavis]

I'm happy you enjoyed it! 😁 thank you so much for watching 🙏🏾

[@amywhelan4888]

This video is such a blessing, thank you for your hard work to create it! Especially enjoyed the Mahabharata & Ramayana stories near the end, such a wonderful glimpse at the rich history of trans presence in India.

[@A._Person]

28:25 As an amputee, I appreciate the use of 'specially abled'. Thank you!

[@rohanxdavis]

No worries, thank you for watching :)

[@les5503]

Hey just to add on to this, I’m disabled and definitely prefer the term “disabled” to “specially abled” because the latter feels a little condescending to me - not at all to take away from your preference as an amputee yourself because it’s completely valid, but I do think a lot of disabled people prefer to just use the word disabled and I just wanted to throw that out there. I really appreciated this video though!

[@A._Person]

@@les5503 absolutely! Whatever term you use, we're a diverse group, and no phrase that is reasonable for common use is acceptable to all of us. That and "special" can have its own connotations.

[@foofieviolet]

@rohanxdavis I think the thing to remember is that personal preferences aside (which are always valid and should be respected), the word "disabled" is a political one and is important to use when referring to the demographic as a whole in a fight for equity because the word shows that society as it functions today purposely disables people from living as fully and equally. In a world where there are ramps every instead of stairs and sidewalks are sloped instead of ending abruptly, everyone can move about equally freely. But you take those ramps away, and suddenly everyone who uses a mobility aid or is visually impaired cannot independently go to the same places as everyone else. That is what it means to be disabled, it means society is purposely setup to exclude to. Which is why when talking about the demographic as a whole in a political and human rights conversation, we are better served by the term disabled. Personally I prefer to use disabled myself to fight for equity and equality and as a reminder that I'm only limited because society makes that my reality. There are things I cannot do, but I could if laws were accommodating, therefore there's no reason I shouldn't. I literally cannot do anything an abled person can't because society favors them and punishes me. But if someone prefers to refer to themselves as specially abled then I will of course refer to the individual as whatever they want.

[@kumarvikramaditya9636]

Why would you comment that at all? You solely did this to undermine the OG comment!​@@les5503

[@barkobae]

I am currently in 12th grade in UP (NCR region) and while I myself come from a relatively privileged upbringing and place, the attitudes of my peers and classmates are still very bad if not terrifying. A lot of them are queerphobic and casteist. A lot of them are openly racist too. Even the teachers say things like "don't go out or the sun will make you black." As someone who is not just an adivasi but also a bi girl, this kind of environment is genuinely depressing but I do hope that as they get older they improve their way of thinking. Thank you for this video!

[@BIRDOFHERMES16]

I am also from Up bundelkhand area and i dont think they will grow up and suddenly become less racist and transphobic because these people ride the waves of majority and until a narrative is made popular that being transphobic and racist is "Bad" or "punishable" they will not change.

[@RogueAcademia]

Amazing video! You truly have a gift for this type of work

[@rohanxdavis]

That means alot! Thank you for your kind words :)

[@ploosiedasix]

Based day in the youtube algorithm for recommending this video to me, based creator for creating the video in the first place. Thank you for this, it's so heartening to be able to learn about cross-cultural trans/queer history today in spite of how hard colonizers and tyrants worldwide throughout history have tried to burn it down and scrub it out of humanity's collective knowledge.

[@iceman8075]

This is a good informative video. I didn't know any of the things mentioned here.

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏾🙏🏾:)

[@gracekinsley3142]

thank you for a very enli8ghtening history, I find Indian history so vast and amazing

[@Itchy__]

I knew very little about the lgbtq history in India, this was all very interesting to hear!

[@gbfriend420]

I just watched 3 of ur videos... its almost 1 so will leave it here but ive subscribed

[@rohanxdavis]

I really appreciate your interest! Thank you for subscribing and have a great night's sleep 🙏🏾

[@meiriversofborg]

Amazing video! Ive been looking for content like this for a long time, thank you for all your work!!

[@soorian6493]

This is incredible work.

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you for your kind words! Makes up for the times I felt like a madman over the last 2 weeks haha 😂

[@Joyride37]

I was introduced to the existence of Hijra in my university social science class about contemporary sexuality and gender and how it’s expressed around the world. Didn’t know much else. Then I recently watched Dev Patel’s Monkeyman, which had a badass Hijra support class. Now this video! Thank you for furthering my education about Indian culture and history, it’s a part of the world I wish to know more of. Especially now that my mother is remarrying a Pakistani man, so I’m learning a lot from him and the northern historic India perspective as well

[@foofieviolet]

Great video! Very educational and I will definitely be doing more research. A small note though on disability; I think the thing to remember is that personal preferences aside (which are always valid and should be respected), the word "disabled" is a political one and is important to use when referring to the demographic as a whole in a fight for equity because the word shows that society as it functions today purposely disables people from living as fully and equally. In a world where there are ramps every instead of stairs and sidewalks are sloped instead of ending abruptly, everyone can move about equally freely. But you take those ramps away, and suddenly everyone who uses a mobility aid or is visually impaired cannot independently go to the same places as everyone else. That is what it means to be disabled, it means society is purposely setup to exclude to. Which is why when talking about the demographic as a whole in a political and human rights conversation, we are better served by the term disabled. Personally I prefer to use disabled myself to fight for equity and equality and as a reminder that I'm only limited because society makes that my reality. There are things I cannot do, but I could if laws were accommodating, therefore there's no reason I shouldn't. I literally cannot do anything an abled person can't because society favors them and punishes me. But if someone prefers to refer to themselves as specially abled then I will of course refer to the individual as whatever they want.

[@rohanxdavis]

That's an interesting point! Thanks for watching :)

[@allegralikessunnydays1704]

Thank you for a very good video.

[@rohanxdavis]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it

[@MaheshKarthik]

Great content and delivery. If I could suggest one improvement, it's the scene cuts between sentences make it a little hard to watch.

[@julianacaton9199]

I'm a trans woman, and do often watch American politically charged videos, so I can understand how I got here a little. It was very bizarre to be flashbanged by culture I wasn't expecting. I pride myself on knowing cultural things, but I feel India is a giant blindspot for me, and so this was a fascinating watch. Now all I need to do is adjust to the phonetical tendencies so I can actually remember the words used that aren't English or English-adjacent. Btw huge W for the hijra communities if I understood the video right.

[@rebeccaricketts3818]

Amazing video, really excited to see the stuff you'll make next 👍

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@tiffanigaumond5066]

So insightful 👏

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you!

[@ravimiano9294]

Telugu American nonbinary transfem here. thank you for making this video. it reminds me that people like me have always been here in my culture, and always will. :)

[@rohanxdavis]

@@ravimiano9294 hey! Thanks for watching! :)

[@rosemarymcbride3419]

10 years ago this month I realized that I needed to stop living in shame and that I should figure out how I want to live in this world, with regards to gender. In researching transness I learned about hijras and I wept for joy. And because of it all human history blossomed before me and I could see myself in its broad canvas. May the hijras always be blessed and may society understand why it is they were chosen to confer blessing, because a society they are allowed to flourish in emanates their blessing throughout it.

[@seaweedpopcorn8957]

this is a good video, thank you for making it

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@Alison.Uncouth]

I'm so glad I found your channel, I've been learning so much. I thought I knew more than I did about India's history with gender fluidity and with colonialism. Keep up great work. **FYI** we prefer the term disabled, not specially abled or special needs. Disabled is the term you wanna use next time. Thanks ❤

[@rohanxdavis]

@@Alison.Uncouth thanks for watching, and for the tip!

[@Alison.Uncouth]

@rohanxdavis Tanks so much for acknowledging! I noticed you already fixed this in your last video too. ++ Respect earned lol 🖤

[@glowinggrenade]

I have to synthesize two very real facts, In my life there is a pattern of specific groups being passively aggressively transphobic to me the majority of the interactions, AND that its important to minimise bias towards specific groups because obviously its wrong. This video helped do this. Understanding a background of culture allows me to put myself in the shoes of those who perform malicious and transphobic behavior. Because for example, an older westerner will typically verbally attack me more because from their perspective I am a deviant in the traditional religious zeitgeist that they were raised in and that makes logical sense to them (they obviously lack important information and therefore have made a poor decision regarding their belief). Understanding how an individual made specific choices allows me to constrain the specific blame to them while also acknowledging that there is a group pattern. in situations where I do interact with service staff who come from this culture, a huge majority of the time there is usually passive aggression. I take effort to ensure this crumb of awareness has no bearing on my behavior before the passive aggression begins (nor really after). But understanding this background allows me to direct my blame towards not myself (so I don't go insane), not to the individual as a deep flaw common to being raised in such culture (trying to avoid this because its highly problematic and just wrong), but the individual as consciously constructed and more specifically the influencing social structure and those who specifically accentuate the transphobia in it.

[@poetry_by_nishtha]

this was so perfectly educational and a great moral education for the new wave of homophobia against these historically present communities...I'm so glad I came across this

[@ems9616]

Thankyou so much, i loved learning about this ❤

[@bernardheathaway9146]

We need more info on the precolonial ideas, traditions and understanding regarding gender, especially in colonized countries! Thank you for you work!!

[@Ahaana-qg8tn]

Im queer and never really sure about my gender and tbb i dont want to be because im scared that being anything other than cis in an Indian society is a death wish. Im already queer and i hope you male a video about queer history of india too since i have heard quite a bit about it

[@Anika9691]

Thanks for spreading awareness ;))))

[@nsjhdhdhdbhsudgvdydb7751]

great video!

[@rohanxdavis]

Thank you so much 🙏🏾🤘🏾

[@cheesemanmaster]

it's always the british, man

[@fazsol]

Awesome video! There are cultural references in the Americas also, about indigenous trans people! They were seen respected and seen as spiritual leaders. The attempt to erase trans people in history, to me. Seems like a global event.

[@voseybeans]

As a younger trans person who's half Indian and lives it America I've always felt very disconnected from Indian culture but this video made me feel a lot more seen. My mother doesn't know a lot when it comes to this stuff other than the stuff in the vedas. Which is cool but I don't believe in them fully so it's hard. And my grandparents are transphobic so I don't feel comfortable asking them about these subjects. But thank you. It's really sad how so many colonized countries view homosexuality and transgender people as something white people made up they need to fight against because white people have hid their history from them.

[@rohanxdavis]

Hey! Thanks for watching :) I know what you mean, unfortunately the "culture" that we're taught is Indian is almost always from a privileged caste lens in the west and mainstream North India, which intertwines with white supremacist attitudes as well including how we perceive gender norms and how even communities from marginalized sections tend to want to mimic the norms of those in power. Many privileged Indians are quick to deny the identity and reality of other Indians if it doesnt fit into their narrow definitions of what makes a "good indian". It's this dogma wrapped in caste, nationalism and religious bigotry that we have to contend with.

[@Vivian-eo3qc]

thank you so much for this ^^

[@rohanxdavis]

@@Vivian-eo3qc you're welcome! Thanks for watching :)