Transgender persons making their presence felt
The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has termed ‘guru culture’ in the country's Khawaja Sira (non-binary gender) community a lethal form of exploitation and neo-slavery.—File photo
The transgender community was earlier looked down upon as aliens. But now they are making their presence felt in society by proving that they are not inferior to other genders.
"I begged on Karachi's streets for 10 years before I decided to pursue higher studies. Today, I have become the first Pakistani lawyer from the trans community," said Nisha Rao Advocate.
"My journey started from the road to the billboard and still continues as I strive to build a positive image for my people," said the first Pakistani trans doctor, Dr Sara Gil.
"This was not easy to reach where we are today," said Kami Sid, the head of Sub Rang Society (SRS). A number of transgender persons have positively contributed to society, especially in the fields of fashion, acting, business, medicines and law, according to Sid.
The SRS, with the support of Human Rights Department of Sindh Government, arranged an event to celebrate the International Day of Transgender Visibility on Friday.
Appreciating the community's role, the speakers said that the government was giving them due rights. "The Sindh government will continue supporting the trans people," pledged Sindh Chief Minister's Adviser on Human Rights Surendar Valasai.
Valasai said: "I understand the issues you face in our society." He disclosed that the provincial government was working on a scheme for the next budget, assuring more and more rights for the transgender people. "You will have protection units," he said.
"The role of transgender persons is historical," highlighted Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission. He quoted from all major religions in support of the third gender.
Detho said that the Karachi police have recently launched an anti-begging campaign but assured that the trans persons have been exempted.
Journalist Frieha Altaf said: "Members of this marginalised community hardly get job opportunity." However, she added that the situation has visibly changed over the last 10 years. "You are real heroes of our society," she added.
Nuzhat Shireen, Chairperson of the Sindh Commission on Status of Women, said that it was not easy for them to seek treatment in hospitals or get admission in schools. "It is a difficult task even to rent a house."
She said that some trans persons have been working with the government and nongovernmental organisations. "We still need to work for them," she urged.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 1st, 2023.