South Asia has long had a complex relationship with gender non-conforming people. Identities such as Hijras, Kothis, Aravanis, Jogappas, and others have historically existed within specific socio-cultural and ritual contexts. While texts like the _Kamasutra_ and _Manusmriti_ contain references to gender non-conformity, these mentions did not translate into social equality. At best, these identities occupied symbolic or ritualistic positions within rigid hierarchies. Contemporary narratives often romanticise this past, locating the origin of transgender oppression solely in colonial rule.