Transgender community has yet again been made the centre of attention, with political and religious figures severely criticising the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act. Many conservatives and those religiously inclined have come out in support of such criticism and are demanding the abolition of the bill, under which transgender persons are provided equal rights to education, healthcare, etc. The transgender community, however, calls it false propaganda to undermine their rights and spew hatred against them. The confusion surrounds ambiguity about a specific gender — which many think are inspired by the Western LGTQ+ movement. Many also believe that the bill gives legal ground to homosexuality. Misinterpretation is bound to occur in such a case where there is no strict conformity to a specific gender. Moreover, there is also a general lack of awareness between the idea of gender and sex — as one is related to biology while the other is a social act of sorts.
Despite the many contrasting narratives, nothing can be taken away from the fact that the transgender community is one of the most marginalised groups. This was made more evident in the wake of recent floods, as governments and relief organisations failed to provide them with adequate relief. Officials have admitted that no separate arrangements have been made for providing trans-people food rations and medical attention. Trans-persons also feel unsafe to live in tents due to the constant fear of abuse and harassment. In the midst of all this though, there are a few volunteers who are helping provide hot meals to them. But the lack of systematic arrangement for them points towards a greater problem that needs to be addressed. Insignificant nuisances cannot triumph over years and years of systemic repression, abuse and discrimination.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2022.
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