Haute couture that transcends boundaries

Transpersons open their first boutique in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR:

The transperson community has opened its first clothing boutique in the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and chosen the provincial capital of Peshawar as the location.

In this newly-opened collection centre in Peshawar's Gulbahar area, transgender individuals will get the chance to sell their fashion creations. The boutique offers bridal, party and formal; wear.

Community leaders Farzana and Sheeba jointly opened the boutique, which provides modern designs and matching accessories like purses. The transgender community expressed that they aim to achieve a respectable position in society through employment or business.

They shared concerns about the frequent violence against transgender individuals, the restrictions on music programmes, and the lack of appreciation for the arts, which has led them to pursue other fields. At the boutique's inauguration, community leader Farzana stated that the transgender community in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has faced economic and social challenges for years, alongside current security issues.

In light of these circumstances, they have sought alternative means of livelihood. She emphasised their goal to encourage transpersons individuals to pursue better education. They have also been urged to chase employment opportunities and business activities to minimise economic challenges.

Transpersons in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa face much persecution, and many of them pay with their lives. A recent, and most horrifying occurrence took place at the end of last month.

The savagery of the incident in Mardan sent shockwaves through the province as two transpersons were slashed to death with swords.

Near the police lines of the city, unidentified attackers assaulted a group of transgender individuals, killing two of them with swords.

As per reports, two transpersons, Sham Salman alias Salmanu and Sabir alias Nazuk, were with their companions in an upper-floor apartment when three unidentified assailants reportedly broke in and fatally attacked the two with swords.