In profile: Pakistan’s first transgender doctor

Dr. Sara Gill, Pakistan’s first transgender doctor, received her primary education from the Pakistan Air Force School. She then enrolled at the Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi and received her MBBS degree in January of 2021.

At just 23 years of age, Dr. Sara has become a phenomenal example of dedication, handwork, and commitment. Upon her graduation she said “I want to tell the transgender community to not lose hope. If I can become a doctor then anyone of you can work hard and be successful.”

Dr. Sara had enrolled in medical school officially identifying as a male and upon the insistence of family members and well-wishers, used to dress up the part for her classes. However, according to Sara her classmates were aware of her true identity. Eventually, despite numerous backlash, Sara declared her gender identity while she was enrolled in medical college.

Upon her graduation, Pakistan was honoured with the first every transgender doctor in the country’s history.

From a young age Sara was made to face hardships based on her gender identity. Her parents, pressured by the disapproval of society and relatives, forced her to hide her identity as a transgender.

“I remember my mother cried a lot when she found out from the doctor that I’m a trans. That was the most difficult time for me. But that approval from the doctor offered me the acceptance I needed from my family.” Says Sara.

At the tender age of 14, Sara had to leave her family and home. She was met with grave challenges and discrimination based on her gender identity— all of which she had to face without the support of her family.

Currently, Dr. Sara Gill, is working towards a Fellowship at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Endocrinology. She hopes this will enable her to become qualified to work on the numerous health related issues faced by the transgender community today.

Dr. Sara has also founded the non-profit Gender Interactive Alliance, which is an organisation working towards the equality and civil rights of transgender people in Pakistan.

She says, “The trans community is gradually changing. They are more inclined towards getting education and respectable jobs. But the attitude of the society must also change.”

Dr. Sara Gill strongly believes that there is hope for the transgender community in Pakistan and that “This is just the beginning. There will be many Sarahs out there in Pakistan who will be more educated and successful than me.”