Homelessness, Poverty and Transgender Persons: Qualitative Evidence from the Garima Greh of Rajasthan under the SMILE Scheme, India

Abstract

Sexual and gender minorities in India have been victims of homelessness and poverty post-independence. Studies have shown that these factors have often found the transgender persons in a state of marginalization and also become subjects of Crime. The Indian government post the Transgender Persons’ (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 has established shelter homes for providing skill and livelihood opportunities to the transgender persons for a short term. This study delves into the working model of the Garima Greh of Rajasthan. The transgender persons find these shelter homes safe, learning space and a second innings to their lives. Such establishments have helped the community members to come out of homelessness and acquire skills for leading a better life ahead. Despite of becoming a success from the inception year itself, it has been studied that these homes are struggling due to lack of regular financial and administrative support by the government. © 2024 Authors.