IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 19, Issue 10, Ver. IX (Oct. 2014), PP 32-37 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 32 | Page Living Smile Vidya’s Traumatic Experiences – an Overview 1 S.Ramya, & 2 Dr.B.Cauveri 1 (Department of English & Foreign Languages,SRM University, India) 2 (Department of English & Foreign Languages,SRM University, India) Abstract : This paper will deal with the traumatic effect caused by the society towards gender. Gender role is vital in the successful progress of a society. Male and female are the two genders which instantly come to our mind when we talk of gender. The word ‘gender identity’ too might lead us towards Feminism. Of course, this gender identity is not in terms of feminism but it is about the identity or recognition sought after by the third sex – the transgender. The memory of a traumatic experience, which is either caused by natural disaster, social apathy or betrayal by caregivers or trusted partners, has become a kind of obsession. There are no words to highlight the inner turmoil caused by such traumatic experiences. The inclusion of transgenders into society is an issue which is still unsolved. The role of transgenders in any genre of literature is a big question and it is definitely not at par with other genders. These three - literature, trauma narrative and transgender - have to be intertwined and this is right now possible only by transgender writers like Vidya, Priya Babu, Revathy, Paula Greig and so on. This paper will deal with the insights shared by Vidya regarding the struggle of the transgenders’ recognition and inclusion. Keywords: Gender, Identity, Inclusion, Literature, Transgender, Trauma Our universe has in store lot of traumatic events which affects or impacts our lives. The memory of a traumatic experience, which is either caused by natural disaster, social apathy or betrayal by caregivers or trusted partners, has become a kind of obsession. There are no words to highlight or showcase the inner turmoil caused by such traumatic experiences. Trauma has a terrific effect on the physical and mental well being of an individual. This paper will deal with one such traumatic effect caused by the society towards the third gender. Gender role is vital in the successful progress of a society. Male and female are the two genders which instantly come to our mind when we talk of gender. Gender – a socially constituted word is not the same as sex. The words of Simon De Beavouir should be recollected here. ―One is not born a woman one is made so‖, in the similar way it is the cultural and social set up which distinguishes the characteristics to be either a man or woman. The biological sex which determines the identity is different from the gender role. The gender role is the external manifestation of being masculine or feminine through ―gender comportment‘. The main force behind the gender difference is the social structure. The social role theory proposes that it is division of labour which leads to a gendered society. In fact gender role ―stereotypes‖ the human behavior. The word ‗gender identity‘ too might lead us towards Feminism. Gender studies and Feminism has a unique social status in the present society. Of course, the gender identity which is taken here for discussion is not in terms of feminism but it is about the identity or recognition sought by the third sex/third gender – the transgender. The term androgyny is familiar to us through various Greek mythologies and even through the birds and animals which have similar features. In the present society what happens when it comes to the social acceptance of the human third gender??? Most transgender people, especially youth, face great challenges in coming to terms with one's own gender identity and/or gender expression which are opposite to that imposed on them on the basis of their biological sex. The inclusion of transgenders into society is an issue which is still unsolved. The advent of Westernisation and Globalisation has changed the lifestyle of the people all over the world. Culture and tradition have taken on a new dimension. We see the youngsters amidst us colour their hair and diet to size zero. We see people who change their own selves in order to imitate their favourite stars. We even have people who change their names, jobs, religions, political parties . . . and even nationalities. We not only see them but we also accept them. On the other hand we are not ready to accept the third gender - ‗the transgenders‘ who are nature‘s creation. They undergo intense traumatic experiences (both internal and external) in the various stages of their lives especially during ―coming out‖ and ―passing‖ (internal) and in their struggle for space and inclusion (external). Though Queer studies and LGBT literature has become an household name, none of us are willing to acclaim those who fall under this category with an open heart. This paper would highlight the various instances where they put in their courage to stand up for themselves in the face of stiff opposition and go forward in their quest for self-completion apart from focussing on the dark and bleak lives of the transgenders. I would like to focus on the traumatic experiences as revealed by Living Smile Vidya, in her autobiography I am Vidya.