KARACHI:
Much of the hatred and discrimination toward the transgender community stems from a misperception that transgender individuals differ from the rest of us. From a young age, transgender individuals face abandonment, shame, and stigma. This is intensified by a lack of educational and healthcare support and legal protection for them. The constant marginalisation and deprivation compel them to resort to begging or dancing as they have no other opportunities to maintain a livelihood.
Even though the federal and provincial governments have taken commendable steps to support and protect trans individuals, these are still not enough because the public continues to alienate them. Instead of creating separate spaces for them, they should be welcomed into mainstream society so that people are more receptive to them. Children should be taught about the transgender community in schools so that they have an unbiased view of a third gender. A widespread campaign should be initiated to discourage people from attacking and oppressing the transgender community. Also, the law enforcement agencies must take the grievances of the transgender community seriously and take strict action against people who have attacked, harassed, or killed transgender individuals. People must realise that just because these individuals do not fit into the typical gender norms does not mean they should be persecuted. In a civilised society, all citizens have basic human rights, and everyone is tolerated.
Ariba Ali
Hyderabad
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2022.
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