Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Faculty Publications Article Faculty Publications -Articles Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Paul Pudushery, Asha; Arur, Aditi Ashok Title A name given to the resource Meaning-making, identity, and community: Cultural and religious influences on the mental health of transgender (Hijra) women in South India Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01-01-2026 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived International Journal of Transgender Health; Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2026.2651773" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2026.2651773</a> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105035212618?origin=resultslist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105035212618?origin=resultslist</a> Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Paul Pudushery A., Psychology Department, Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Arur A.A., Psychology Department, Christ University, Bengaluru, India Description An account of the resource Background: Hijra women in South India navigate mental health within contexts marked by structural exclusion, religious ambivalence, and complex kinship networks. While minority stress theory explains the psychological impact of stigma and discrimination, less attention has been paid to how culturally embedded meaning-making processes shape resilience and well-being in this population. Methods: This qualitative study draws on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 13 self-identified Hijra women from Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Interviews were conducted in regional languages and analyzed using Braun and Clarkes thematic analysis. The study integrates minority stress theory with a meaning-making framework to examine how cultural and religious contexts influence mental health, identity negotiation, and community relationships. Results: Three interconnected themes emerged: (1) Minority Stress and Systemic Oppression, characterized by family rejection, religious exclusion, public stigma, and economic marginalization; (2) Living in Ambivalence, reflecting both solidarity and constraint within Hijra kinship networks; and (3) Meaning-Making through Identity, Work, Community, and Spirituality. Educational attainment did not consistently translate into improved livelihoods or reduced distress. Participants constructed dignity and purpose through gender affirmation, creative and ethical livelihoods, contribution to others, and selective engagement with spiritual or ethical frameworks. Conclusions: Mental health among Hijra women is shaped by the interaction of structural exclusion and culturally embedded resources for meaning-making. Findings extend minority stress research by demonstrating how resilience emerges relationally within ambivalent social and religious environments. Culturally grounded mental health interventions must therefore address structural injustice while supporting community-based and meaning-oriented coping processes. 2026 Taylor &amp; Francis Group, LLC. Subject The topic of the resource Community and kinship; Hijra women; mental health; minority stress; spiritual agency Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Routledge Relation A related resource ISSN: 26895269; Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource online