A kothi in the culture of the Indian subcontinent, is a man or boy who takes on an "effeminate" role in same sex relationships, often with a desire to be the penetrated member in sexual intercourse.[1][2] The origins of the term Kothi are unclear. The original meaning was intended as a slur, similar to "fag" or "sissy."[2] Local equivalents include durani (Kolkata), menaka (Cochin), meti (Nepal), and zenana (Pakistan). The male partners who perform the penetrative acts are known as Panthi.[3][4]

Kothis differ from Hijras as they do not live in the kind of intentional communities that hijras usually live in. They are similar to the Hijra in that they may take a same-sex lover for a period of time, and they may perform sexual favors for men through prostitution.[1]