A third gender in India, Israeli ground troops in Gaza, new film 'Boyhood,' and Weekend Passport

Israel says its primary target in Gaza are the tunnels used by Hamas fighters and others to gain access into Israel and smuggle weaponry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said air strikes had failed to halt the continual rocket fire into Israel, and that Israel had "exhausted all other options." Hamas has condemned the ground invasion, warning that it will carry “consequences which haven't been calculated." Chris Gunness, a spokesman for UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency gives us an update on the humanitarian situation inside Gaza.
Then, last April the Indian Supreme Court passed a landmark judgement which now permits transgender people to legally identify themselves under a “third gender” option. In India there are an estimated two million transgender people who, until now, have been unable to obtain official government documents due to exclusion from the legal system. In modern Indian society transgender people, who are known in India as Hijras, have often been forced away from mainstream society, leaving them to beg and perform at religious ceremonies for money.
Under this ruling Hijras are now allotted government jobs and seats in colleges as well as opening up the community to government welfare schemes. During the month of May, thousands of transgender people, transexuals, eunuchs and cross dressers congregate each each year in the Southern-Indian village of Koovagam, transgenders gather for the annual Koovagam festival. The 18 day festival celebrates transgenders in Hindu culture. Freelance journalist Siri Bulusu went to the festival. She’ll tell us about what takes place and explain how the new law is impacting India’s transgender community.
And, film contributor Milos Stehlik talks to the director of the new film, 'Boyhood,' which was shot over the course of 12 years. Director Richard Linklater talks about time and the way the audience can perceive change in the movie.
Then, every week, Global Citizen Nari Safavi of Pasfarda Arts and Cultural Exchande, helps listeners plan their international weekend. This week the Peruvian Consul General joins us to tell us how to celebrate Peruvian Independence day.

(photo: Hijra people celebrate gender fluidity in Indian culture at a festival in India. photo by Siri Bulusu.)