Transgenders are third gender: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday recognised transgenders or eunuchs as third category of gender and directed Centre and States to grant them all facilities, including voters ID, passport and driving licence. The Centre and States were also directed to take steps for bringing the community into the mainstream by providing adequate healthcare, education and employment. A bench of Justices K S Radhakrishnan and A K Sikri directed the government to take steps for granting recognition to transgenders as a separate third category of gender after male and female. The bench also said they are the citizens of the country and have equal rights to education, healthcare and employment opportunities like other people belonging to male and female gender. The apex court expressed concern over transgenders being harassed and discriminated in the society and passed a slew of directions for their social welfare.