If we cannot share this society with the transgender community that does not mean they don’t have the right to live
PANJGUR: The complexity of gender disparity has devoured another life in Pakistan. Alesha, a transgender and activist for the rights of the transgender community, was shot dead in Peshawar recently. Her ‘crime’ appeared to be that she could not fit in the dichotomy of gender segregation, which is thought to be a natural division in this socially fabricated society. When she was taken to the hospital, doctors were confused about whether Alesha should be placed in the male or female ward. I am surprised that a person needs to be either a male or female in order to receive treatment. The lives of transgenders apparently have no worth in this country. They are mocked, teased, sexually exploited and used for entertainment. Very few are willing to recognise them as respectable members of society.
We are sorry, Alesha, for what we did to you. We do not deserve to live with unique people like you. If we cannot share this society with the transgender community that does not mean they don’t have the right to live. Let them be who they are and wherever they are. Let them live in peace.
Tabish Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, May 31st, 2016.
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