Vol. 11, Issue 5, Part E (2025)

Abstract
The state of Kerala is known for high literacy, advanced infrastructure, and progressive social indicators under the so-called "Kerala Model of Development". Kerala is the first Indian state to introduce a comprehensive transgender policy (2015) in India, aimed at promoting an equitable and inclusive environment for transgender individuals. Despite this progressive growth, transgender community in Kerala continues to face stigma, persistent marginalization, systemic discrimination, and social exclusion. The grossly underrepresented number (3902) of transgender individuals in Kerala as per Census 2011, indicate the deep-rooted invisibility and marginalization they experience. This study analyses the socio-economic status (SES) of transgender persons in Kerala, focusing on key indicators such as education, employment, personal and household income, and relationship status. Snowball sampling technique was adopted to collect primary data from 386 transgender individuals across the state. The results of the study indicate that limited economic opportunities due to educational deprivation and less formal employment opportunities force transgender people in Kerala to engage in part time or informal work or choose sex work as their primary source of income. Additionally, lack of safe housing and limited access to digital devices exacerbate the stigma and marginalization for transgender people.