What the term 9 (ombothe) used to refer to transgenders really means

Generally if someone calls a transgender, nine, 9 or ombothe it’s considered derogatory, just like the term keling. But, originally, the term ombothe for transgender constitutes of an elevated status of a woman.

Normal women are considered the embodiment of the 8 forms of Mahalakshmi/Ashtalakshmi in Hinduism. 

Adi Lakshmi/Mahalakshmi: 'Adi' means eternal. This form of the Goddess signifies the never ending or eternal nature of the Goddess. This refers to the fact that wealth is endless. It has been there since the beginning of time and it will be there till the end of time.
Gaja Lakshmi: ' Gaja' means elephant. This form of Lakshmi symbolises the the vehicles that we use for transportation. It is believed that this form of Goddess Lakshmi helped Indra to regain His kingdom from the depth of the ocean.
Dhana Lakshmi: 'Dhana' means wealth in the form of money or gold. It is the usual form of wealth that is desired by most of us. By worshipping this form of Goddess Lakshmi, one can attain great riches and wealth.
Vijaya Lakshmi: 'Vijaya' means victory. Vijaya Lakshmi form of the Goddess signifies courage, fearlessness and victory in everything one does. This form of wealth strengthens our character and makes us successful in all our ventures.
Dhairya Lakshmi: 'Dhairya' means patience. Worshipping Dhairya Lakshmi gives us the strength to endure all the hardships of our lives with patience. This form of wealth is extremely important to face the good times as well as bad times with equal ease.
Dhanya Lakshmi: 'Dhanya' means food grains. Since food is the basic neccessity of our life, worshipping Dhanya Lakshmi is of utmost importance. Worshipping this form of the Goddess is necessary to obtain food and remain nourished.
Vidya Lakshmi: 'Vidya' means knowledge. To acquire all kinds of knowledge and skills, one must devotedly worship Vidya Lakshmi.
Santana Lakshmi: 'Santana' means children. Santana Lakshmi is the Goddess of progeny and bestower of children. Children are our wealth and the basic unit of a family. So, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in the form of Santan Lakshmi to beget children and continue the name of the family.

Yes, in Hinduism, women are considered to embody all 8 or ettu Mahalakshmi/Ashtalakshmi’s forms. It’s not uncommon in Tamilnadu for people to call women ettu. It simply means woman as the embodiment of all 8 forms of Mahalakshmi/Ashtalakshmi.

Transgenders are called ombothe because they’re considered to be a step above than normal women who are ettu. With the ettu, the attribute of being a 9th Mahalakshmi is included thus making 8, ettu, into 9 ombothe that are transgenders. There is also transgender worship, prevalent in India. India recognizes transgenders as the 3rd sex, hijra.

The term ombothe was never meant to be derogatory. It originally means that transgenders are more women than women and more Mahalakshmi than Mahalakshmi. It’s actually an elevated status of being woman, ombothe.

So, I hope today I made it clear to those wondering why transgenders are called ombothe. It actually means transgenders are above women and Mahalakshmi. And, please respect transgenders, they’re humans who are worthy of respect and love.