Family Violence and Support: A Comparative Study of A. Revathi's ‘The Truth About Me’ and Laxminarayan Tripathi's ‘Me Hijra, Me Laxmi’

This paper compares two transgender autobiographies, The Truth About Me by A. Revathi and Me Hijra, Me Laxmi by Laxminarayan Tripathi, focusing on the impact of familial violence and support respectively on their lived experiences. While societal violence against transgender individuals is well-documented, this study delves into the often-overlooked dimension of violence within the family and how it profoundly shapes the lives of transgender people. For A. Revathi, familial rejection and violence initiated a life of struggle, forcing her to confront hardship and isolation. In contrast, Laxminarayan Tripathi’s story reflects how family support reduced the adversities of her transgender journey, enabling a more empowered and resilient existence. Through this analysis, the paper highlights the important role of the family in either increasing or reducing the hardships faced by transgender individuals. The paper also focuses on the complex connections between gender identity, violence, and family dynamics. This study aims to build a clearer understanding of how acceptance or rejection by one’s family can deeply impact the journey of transgender person’s life.

Keywords: Family violence, transgenders, family support, transgender autobiographies