The hijra community in South Asia belongs to a third-gender group that is often described as neither male nor female. They are similar to transgender individuals but not precisely the same. Members are typically assigned male at birth or are intersex, and adopt traditionally feminine dress, names, and mannerisms. Some undergo an emasculation initiation ritual. Within Hindu society hijras are considered to have the power to confer fertility at weddings and childbirth celebrations because of their devotion to a mother goddess. They typically live together in tight-knit communities.
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