Trans lives matter: representative bureaucracy and transgender people in Kerala

Transgender people are amongst the most stigmatised and marginalised members of society. Many continue to face state sanctioned discrimination. Kerala, India stands out in supporting and advancing transgender people through progressive politics by affording them fundamental human rights. We were interested in learning more about how the Communist government in Kerala, motivated by its ideology, support and improve the lives of transgender people. With this question in mind, we seek out to interview government officials and transgender women to deepen our understanding of how the government advances a socially marginalised group. Guided by public administration literature, we find transgender representation in government can improve the lives of the transgender community. The Kerala government took steps to first recognize transgender people and give them standing in society. The government also hired them and offered them economic and educational opportunities. Transgender people became self-sufficient and began serving others in the community. In this way, the Kerala government reengaged transgender people through citizenship, collective action, and civic participation. Our study highlights the central role representative bureaucracy play in improving and lifting marginalised citizens.