Thousands of eunuchs ended a weeklong congregation in the Indian temple city of Varanasi yesterday, demanding greater access to jobs in universities and government.
"We are sexually handicapped and should be treated like any other physically handicapped person," said Renee Kapoor of the All India Eunuch Conference.
A committee will present the demand to the government early next year, Mr. Kapoor said.
India has tens of thousands of eunuchs, who typically dress like women, wear gaudy jewellery, live on tips for dancing at weddings and festivals and bless newborns.
Eunuchs often are discriminated against in education and barred from government and other high-level jobs. Most are illiterate.
After independence from Britain in 1947, India set aside places for members of the lowest social castes in universities and government. But eunuchs were not included.
Nearly 5,000 eunuchs from across India attended the gathering in Varanasi, about 700 kilometres southeast of New Delhi, to discuss their problems and demands.
Most of the country's eunuchs were castrated as babies, though a few are born without male genitalia. Some were elected to city councils and state legislatures three years ago by voters frustrated with corrupt politicians.
Asha Devi, a eunuch mayor of a northern India town, said participation in politics will help eunuchs improve their status.
"Winning elections gives us the platform to raise our voices," he said. AP