Difference between Gay and Chakka

Key Difference: Gay is a term used for homosexuals; generally, for male homosexuals. Whereas, chakka is a term used for males who have feminine gender identity.

Gay People who practice homosexuality are known as ‘Homosexuals’ or ‘Gays’. Generally, the term 'Gay' was used for male homosexuals; later, it began to be used for both males and females. The term ‘Gay’ was originally used to refer to feelings of being "carefree", "happy", or "bright and showy". In the 20th century, the term attained great importance as the title for homosexuals. It is being used for people who are sexually attracted to others of their same gender. Homosexuality, along with bisexuality and heterosexuality, are the three main categories of sexual orientation.

Chakka According to Wikipedia, chhakka or chakka is a term used for Hijras in Kannada and Bambaiya Hindi. They are males who have feminine gender identity, adopt feminine gender roles, and wear women's clothing. Some chakkas undergo an initiation rite into the hijra community called nirwaan i.e. removal of the male reproductive organs. They recognize themselves as the third gender and challenge the Western taxonomy of gender and sexual orientation.

The differences between a gay and a chakka are as follows:

	Gay	Chakka
Definition	It is a term used for people who get attracted to people of the same gender. It is a title given to the homosexual people.	A male who has physiological feminine gender identity and wears women's clothing.
Includes	People who get attracted to the same sex. Mainly used for males but includes females as well.	Males; they do not have any particular sex orientation. In fact, they challenge the sexual orientations and consider themselves a new gender; i.e. the ‘third gender’.
Applies to	Both, males and females.	Mostly males, but some may be intersexual.
Discrimination	Some people discriminate against gays. However, stringent laws have been made in many countries to safeguard the rights of gays.	They face discrimination in the society; however, they are respected for some religious beliefs and ceremonies.
Sexual Relations	With the people of same sex/gender. Gays do not get attracted to straight people.	Hijra/Chakka is a new gender and surpasses any sex orientation, as declared by the community. They have sexual relations amongst themselves and also with males. Many work as sex workers for survival.
Family	Conceiving a baby requires two people of the opposite sex; and due to this reason gays cannot have their own children. However, many gay couples have adopted children and other medical ways to have the joy of their own family.	It is not physically possible for a Hijra/Chakka to conceive or give birth. They have been in existence from generations by adopting young boys who are rejected by, or have fled from their family.
Legalization	Gay relationships and marriages are legalized in many countries; however, there are still a large number of countries that do not allow legalization of gay couples.	There are no laws made for legalization of Hijra/Chakka community. However, there are constant efforts made by many Hijra activists for official recognition for themselves as the third gender.