Anna Grodzka, Poland’s first and now the world’s only transgender MP, has mixed feelings about the Indian Supreme Court’s ruling that categorizes hijras/transgenders as the ‘third sex.’ She accepts that the ruling may be good in the Indian situation as it gives hijras an identity, but denies there is anything like a third sex!

“It saddens me that hijras in India live on the fringes of society. Different communities react differently. In Poland , transgenders do not live in separate clusters; we are part of society. Hijras are more identifiable in India than in Poland, where we can merge with the rest.” Grodzka believes the ideal situation would be to get rid of definition or sex distinction anywhere . “You allow people to decide who they are!”

The tall and imposing MP who underwent an ‘adjustment’ surgery in 2010, made these remarks in an exclusive interview through an interpreter at the Sixth Polish Congress of Women in Warsaw recently. Grodzka appreciates the media platform that her unique status gives her. It is a double-edged sword, she clarifies. “I decided to come out in the open at my own cost. As a result, today I am more regarded as a transsexual person than as a woman! But I took this risk deliberately.”

The journey was not easy for Grodzka, who as Krzysztof , her earlier male identity, was married with a child. “It was tough to convince my family and friends that I was not crazy, and had the right to be what I am. It took courage but today people draw inspiration from me.” Grodzka started living as a woman from 2007. Today she shares a good relationship with her son, but is estranged from her former wife. A strongly Catholic nation, Poland harbours traditional views on sexuality, although recent times have seen a shift towards a more liberal outlook. Grodzka is an atheist and critical of the Church’s influence on Polish politics and society . “On the one hand the Church claims to love all as equals, but it does not recognize transgenders!”

Grodzka is determined to ensure that transgender people benefit from the wider shift the western world is witnessing by accepting gay sex and gay marriages. “We transgenders are highly visible because of our looks, but we need to be noticed for the right reasons! It is important to ensure that medically, socially and legally there is no discrimination against transgender people.”

Grodzka also supports civil partnerships, which are not legally permissible in Poland as of now. She is one with the Poles’ struggle for a more secular society as opposed to the deeply religious older order — and along with her party puts her might behind issues such as gay rights, abortion, legalization of soft drugs and the role of the church in public life. Grodzka plays an important role for transsexuals world over, because of her bold public persona , her global links and dedication to help her people be equally accepted as they are!

The writer was in Warsaw to attend the 6th Polish Congress of Women at the invitation of the ministry of foreign affairs of Poland.

