In the Sundar Kaand of the Ramayana, there is a story that has given the transgender community in India its identity. When Ram was leaving for his 14-year-long exile, all the creatures of the kingdom came to bid him farewell. They were teary-eyed to see their beloved prince leave and eager to follow him till the end. But when Ram found out their intent, he asked every nar, nari, pashu and pakshi to return home. But he did not mention us, the kinnars (transgenders). We were neither nar nor nari. So we stayed on in the forest for 14 years, waiting for Ram’s return.