Disorders of Sex Differentiation and its' relevance to Shakti
Disorders of Sex Differentiation (DSD) is the correct medical term used for intersex. Use of words like hermaphrodite, transgender, transsexual, are inappropriate. Hijras, Kinnar, Ennuch, are social terms that are used and many of these terms are used indiscriminately, in appropriately and incorrectly. Moreover, these lay terms have a negative connotation.
Basic difference is that intersex (DSD) is a medical condition; where as to be a transgender is a personal choice (and usually with adults and does not involve kids). The two terms are NOT the same thing and do NOT mean the same thing.. There are many underlying medical conditions that lead to intersex disorders, and are collectively called Disorders of Sex Differentiation. The development of gonads in embryonic stage and subsequent development of what will be the physical aspect of a gender classification, is a very complex process and can lead to biological mistakes which causes these medical problems. Some conditions are more frequent than others, and some are inherited in the family.
There are many underlying causes for DSD; some are caused due to what are known as chromosome problems (we have 46 chromosomes that come in pairs, that are numbered 1-22 and the XX chromosome in females and XY in males); they may be due to a missing enzyme, or may be due to the fact that enzyme may be present but not effective. The main issue is that external appearance of a person may not match the "genetic makeup" or that the external appearance is ambiguous. Sometimes, it is identified at birth or even during prenatal diagnosis when chromosome testing is done and ultrasound appearance does not match the chromosomes.
Some of these conditions are treatable. Treatment is varied based on the underlying medical problem. Treatment may be use of enzymes, hormones and in some cases, surgery is required. In most developed countries, these children are raised either as a male or female and not separated from the family and are active members of the society. They outwardly look normal and have normal intelligence. Like any medical condition, especially in children, managing these issues requires a multidisciplinary approach, including dealing with the psycho-social aspects.
There are famous people (actors, athletes) with this condition and have been in the news. They have had very successful careers and personal life. Some have adopted kids, and some have been able to carry a pregnancy with use of an egg donor. The most important thing is to really determine what the rearing gender will be at birth and treat accordingly. These children go on to be a regular part of the society, just like others with many other medical problems.
Knowledge is power and lack of knowledge leads to superstitions, stigmatization, and non-acceptance. However, certain societies label these individuals, incorrectly and stigmatize them. All are lumped together and words like intersex Vs transgender Vs kinnar and others, are used indiscriminately and interchangeably. They are NOT the same things.
Channel, PH and actors, especially Rubina Dilaik, have challenged themselves to bring the misconceptions around these issues to the forefront through a TV serial. I admire and applaud them for their foresight and hope that they are able to depict the incorrect mindset of the society, struggle of these individuals and their families and hopefully ultimately show the successful and fulfilled life that an individual with this condition can lead. I also feel that through this show, the story will also address the challenges faced by transgender community in the society. Given that this is a TV show, there will be dramatization to the story. But I truly hope that the makers handle this sensitive issue with care and sensitivity, and I hope the TV viewers can rise above the usual saas-bahu drama, and the traditional love story and support this unusual theme.
I also hope, that more broadly, it paves a way for the Indian society to start addressing the real social issues and that to me will be the icing on the cake, as an outcome of this serial.
I wish the Channel, PH, and Cast all the best as they embark on this journey.
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
