Invisible Struggles: Workplace Discrimination and Violence Against Transgender Individuals and Impact on Their Mental Health in Kolkata

Abstract

In Kolkata and throughout India, transgender people experience a great deal of harassment and discrimination at work. Their work prospects and general well-being are impacted by this discrimination, which has its roots in social stigma and a dearth of thorough legal protections. In Kolkata, transgender people experience many kinds of discriminatory practices at work, such as sexual harassment, harassment, and prejudice. The absence of supportive organisational cultures and trans-inclusive non-discrimination rules makes these difficulties worse. Discrimination in the workplace pushes them to choose informal employment sectors like sex work, badhai, begging etc. This research paper focuses on what kind of discrimination and violence they have faced in their workplace. What are the key factors in choosing an informal work sector? How does this harassment impact their mental well-being health? This study is based on primary and secondary data. The data was collected from different parts of Kolkata city, using snowball and purposive sampling methods. In conclusion, although transgender rights have been recognised by Indian law, there are still a lot of loopholes in how these rights are applied, especially in the workplace. To solve these problems, extensive policy reforms, improved application of current legislation, and the development of welcoming workplace cultures that value and assist transgender workers are all necessary.