Transgender people, often referred to as the Hijras in the Indian subcontinent, are an officially recognized third gender in the country and consider themselves neither male nor female. As per the latest census in 2011, India recorded over 487 thousand people who identified as the third gender, most of whom came from the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Socioeconomics of Hijras 

Hijras are associated by several terms, depending on culture and linguistics. In various Indian languages, Hijras are called Napunsakudu (Telugu), Thiru Nangai (Tamil), Khwaja Sara (Urdu), Khusra (Punjabi) and Mangalamukhi (Kannada) among others. The third gender is inherent to Indian mythology.

Socio-economically, Hijras live in well-defined communities, led by a Guru or teacher. They consist of generations of the third gender who were rejected by or fled from their birth-families. Apart from sex-work, performing at auspicious social gatherings or plain extortion was how most survived. This was due to the lack of education and employment due to their low status in their society’s hierarchy. This also meant that they underwent brutal violence with little or no opportunity for justice.

 Indian law and the third gender  

When the country’s Supreme Court re-criminalized homosexuality in 2013, there was a sharp increase in violence against the third gender by the Indian Police Service, far from investigating reports of sexual assault. Later in 2014, with the support of activists and NGOs lobbying for human rights, the same highest court ruled the recognition of the third gender community, equal to the socially and economically backward class. This meant that they now had access to proportional representation in education and jobs.

In India, the state of Maharashtra, had a transgender population of approximately 19 percent from 2010 to 2011. Tamil Nadu on the other hand had a lower transgender population which was roughly four percent of the population.

As of April 2021, there were approximately 30 transgender people in India with disabilities who fell under the five-to-14 age group across the country. In general, the total disabled transgender population aged up to 70 years were around 153 people.

This statistic displays the familiarity with transgender people in India as of November 2017. When asked about their familiarity with transgender people, roughly 17 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey have been acquaintances with transgender people.

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that transgender people should be protected from discrimination from the government as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed transgender people should be protected, roughly 44 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. On the other hand, four percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that parents are worried about children interacting with transgender people as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed parents worry about children interacting with transgender people, roughly 16 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. On the other hand, 15 percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that transgender people have a form of mental illness as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed transgender people have a form of mental illness, roughly 15 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. While, 28 percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that transgender people should be allowed to have gender reassignment surgery as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed transgender people should be allowed to have gender reassignment surgery, roughly 33 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. On the other hand, seven percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

Sociodemographic characteristics of MSM and transgender communities in IDI and FGD (n = 240).

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that their country is becoming more tolerant of transgender people as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed country is becoming more tolerant of transgender people, roughly 19 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. On the other hand, six percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

Snapshot img

Gender Reassignment Surgery Market Size 2025-2029

The gender reassignment surgery market size is forecast to increase by USD 374.2 million, at a CAGR of 11.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing number of individuals opting for sex change procedures worldwide. This trend is driven by the growing acceptance and recognition of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, leading to a surge in demand for medical solutions to help them align their physical identity with their gender identity. Advancements in medical technology have also played a crucial role in the market's expansion, enabling surgeons to perform these procedures more safely and effectively than ever before. However, the high cost of gender reassignment surgeries remains a significant challenge for many individuals seeking these procedures. Despite this obstacle, the market's potential for growth is substantial, particularly as societal attitudes towards gender identity continue to evolve and more individuals feel empowered to seek out the medical solutions they need to live authentically. Companies operating in this market can capitalize on this trend by offering affordable financing options, partnering with insurance providers, and investing in research and development to further advance surgical techniques and reduce costs.

What will be the Size of the Gender Reassignment Surgery Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in medical technology, growing societal acceptance, and increasing demand for comprehensive care. Surgical implants, preoperative counseling, and surgical techniques are constantly improving to enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes. Body image, a significant factor in the decision-making process, is addressed through various means, including social support groups and mental health services. Gender identity, a complex construct, is being explored through clinical trials and psychological counseling, aiming to provide more personalized and effective care. Hormone therapy, a crucial aspect of gender affirmation, is subject to ongoing research and refinement. Healthcare costs, a barrier for many, are being addressed through insurance coverage and medical tourism. Infection control, surgical risks, and pain management are essential components of quality care, with data analysis and evidence-based practices guiding best practices. Facial feminization and breast augmentation are popular procedures, but genital reconstruction and voice therapy are also gaining attention. Ethical considerations, patient advocacy, and long-term effects are crucial areas of focus. Sexual health, scar management, fertility preservation, and postoperative support are essential aspects of holistic care. Professional guidelines and post-operative care ensure consistent quality, while follow-up appointments and community resources provide ongoing support. Psychosocial assessment and informed consent forms are integral parts of the preoperative process. Medical imaging and patient education are essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The market is characterized by continuous dynamism, with ongoing unfolding of market activities and evolving patterns. Adverse events, healthcare access, and patient advocacy are ongoing concerns, requiring constant attention and innovation. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and ensure ethical and compassionate care.

How is this Gender Reassignment Surgery Industry segmented?

The gender reassignment surgery industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. TypeMale to femaleFemale to maleEnd-userHospitalsSpecialty ClinicsAmbulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)Distribution ChannelPublic healthcare systemsPrivate healthcare providersTechnologyMinimally invasive techniquesRobotic-assisted surgeryTraditional open surgeryPatient DemographicsAgeSocioeconomic statusGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeGermanySpainUKAPACIndiaMalaysiaThailandSouth AmericaArgentinaBrazilRest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The male to female segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The market encompasses various procedures aimed at helping individuals with gender dysphoria transition into their identified gender. This process often includes hormone therapy and psychological counseling to ensure readiness and understanding of the implications. Hormone therapy, while not mandatory, helps patients align their physical appearance with their gender identi

India has the world’s second-largest HIV burden. Key populations of female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), hijra/transgender (H/TG) people, and people who inject drugs (PWID), are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. A community-led programmatic mapping and population size estimation (PMPSE) was carried out in 651 districts of 32 States and Union Territories of India. The goal was to identify the hotspots, network operators, and estimate the size of key population groups. This involved documenting the known hotspots, visiting them for rapid field assessment through key informants’/ network operators interviews, and identifying additional hotspots/ network operators through the snow-balling approach from the existing hotspots. For each identified hotspot, network operator, and village, size of each key population group was estimated after adjusting for the duplications and overlaps. These estimates were then aggregated to arrive at district, State, and ultimately national-level estimates. PMPSE estimated a total of 9,95,499 (9,02,277–10,88,712) FSWs, 3,51,020 (3,13,860–3,88,175) MSM, 2,88,717 (2,53,024-3,24,407) PWIDs, and 96,193 (85,206-1,07,174) H/TG individuals. The number of FSWs per 1000 adult women in different States/Union Territories (UT) varied from 0.34 to 17.25; MSM estimates ranged from 0.07 to 7.35 per 1000 adult men, H/TG persons ranged from 0.03 to 2.75 per 1000 adult men, and PWIDs ranged from 0.01 to 31.30 per 1000 adult men. Additionally, approximately 14% of FSWs, 7% of MSM, and 8% of H/TG individuals were estimated to operate exclusively through network operators. The community-led PMPSE has updated the size estimates for FSWs, MSM, PWIDs, and H/TG individuals at a granular level. This approach has emphatically quantified the presence of network operators. The methodological simplicity of the present round of PMPSE is likely to encourage and facilitate its periodic implementation for better tracking of population level changes in HIV burden based on more reliable denominators.

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that transgender people have physical disability as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed transgender people have physical disability, roughly 14 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. On the other hand, 25 percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

The Prison Statistics India report of NCRB provides data on the gender wise distribution of undertrial prisoners in the country. It should be noted that data for transgender category was included only since 2020.

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that transgender people should be allowed to adopt children as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed transgender people should be allowed to adopt, roughly 37 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. On the other hand, seven percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that transgender people have unique spiritual gifts as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed transgender people have unique spiritual gifts, roughly 14 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. On the other hand, 16 percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that transgender people should be allowed to serve in the military as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed transgender people should be allowed to serve in the military, roughly 31 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. On the other hand, eight percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

This statistic displays the share of individuals in India who agree that transgender people should be allowed to marry a person of their birth sex as of November 2017. When asked whether they believed transgender people should be allowed to marry a person of their birth sex, roughly 28 percent of the respondents taking part in Ipsos survey strongly agree with the statement. On the other hand, nine percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

In 2021, India reported an HIV prevalence rate of nearly nine percent among injecting drug users, which was the highest rate among seven selected high risk population groups across the country. Meanwhile, the prevalence rate among Hijra or Transgender people amounted to approximately 3.7 percent.

Worldwide, Brazil reported the highest number of transgender people murdered in 2023, reaching 100 victims. Most of the murders that year were reported in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is assumed that only a minority of the cases actually are reported, and the actual number is estimated to be significantly higher.