There are many transgender in India. But a decision is a brave and courageous one, as they are often looked down upon in society, and are discriminated against. It is estimated that 90% of them will end up begging or in prostitution to support themselves. The first image shows a transgender cleaning up the wound post the sex operation, and then after that, standing bravely to face the world. But the world is a touch one for them, as the dirty stare of the Indian men show, and the likelihood that they have to end up in the sex trade for economic reasons.
Jimmy Lam studied at the International Center of Photography. He specialised in documenting the cultural and social aspect of Asia. He travels throughout Asia to preserve its people and culture through photography. He has books published: Greater Tibet; Faraway Faces - the vanishing world of southwest China; and Lives in the balance -street people of Asia; and Treasures of Indochina. His work can be found at Redux Pictures.
Awards International Photo Awards, Best of Show, PX3, Critical Mass Top 50, US' Independent Book Publishers Outstanding Book of the Year, American Photography.
