Structural Inequality and Suicide: A Tragic Reality in Bangladesh

Nahid Aktar:

In recent times, the suicide of Utshø Islam Mondol in Bangladesh has taken the social media by storm. Her story illustrates the weight of societal rejection towards transgender individuals.

 

Utshø Islam Mondol was a fighter. Despite the challenges of pursuing education and navigating life in Bangladesh, they grappled with a gender identity that the society around them refused to accept. Sadly, the weight of societal rejection based on their transgender identity led Utshø to take their own life.

In a society where traditional gender norms are deeply entrenched, individuals like Utshø face immense pressure and discrimination. Being transgender in Bangladesh often means living on the margins, facing daily prejudice, and struggling for acceptance.

One of the key sociological factors that contribute to suicide is social integration or the lack thereof. Individuals whiseel disconnected from society or who face excessive individualism are more vulnerable to suicide. In Utshø’s case, the societal rejection and lack of acceptance of their gender identity likely contributed to their feelings of isolation and despair.

Psychologically, transgender individuals often face identity struggles, societal stigma, and internalized transphobia. These factors can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The constant battle against societal norms and expectations can be emotionally draining, making it difficult for transgender individuals to cope with daily life.

Moreover, the medical needs of transgender individuals are often overlooked or denied. Experts had advised Utshø to undergo sex-reassignment surgery to align with their gender identity and improve their quality of life. However, without societal acceptance and support, accessing necessary medical care becomes a challenge, further exacerbating the struggles faced by transgender individuals.

It’s crucial to understand that gender identity is a spectrum, and nature exhibits diversity in human biology. Some individuals may have male bodies but possess female hormones or vice versa. Denying this natural diversity and imposing rigid gender norms is not only unjust but also harmful.

To those who troll, discriminate against, or ostracize transgender individuals: If you consider someone’s death a victory, what does that say about your humanity? Your fundamentalism and extremism contribute to the suffering and deaths of people like Utshø.

Societal change is needed to address the structural inequalities that perpetuate discrimination and marginalization of transgender individuals. Education, awareness, and acceptance are crucial steps towards creating an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their gender identity, can live without fear of persecution or discrimination.

To the backward and fundamentalist segments of society: Are you willing to stand up for Utshø? Will you support them with the same fervor as you do for those who fit neatly into the gender binary of men and women? When tragedies like suicides occured at Jagannath University, a lot of us stood for her. Will you stand for Utsho? It’s clear that the majority of society often hesitates to fight for their rights, simply because their gender identity doesn’t align with traditional norms, and the broader population is reluctant to accept it. Will you break this cycle of discrimination and stand up for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity?

Let’s challenge societal norms, promote acceptance, and support transgender individuals in their fight for equality and dignity. Together, we can make a difference and prevent further tragedies like Utshø’s from occurring, so that no one ever feels the need to take such a drastic step to end their life. We should be with all individuals of every gender identity and extend heartfelt condolences to Utshø and everyone else who is suffering.

About the writer:
Nahid Aktar is an accomplished professional with over fifteen years of experience in academia, research, and teaching. Her research interests include posthumanism, gender studies, feminism, inter speciesism, diversity, and inclusion. She has published three research books and presented her findings successfully in academic and professional contexts. In addition to her academic work, Nahid is also involved in social work and public speaking.

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