'Hijra Festival' set to promote dignity, identity, and equality for trans persons

Event, scheduled for Oct 25 at Seaview Beach, to attract community members from across country, abroad

The transgender community of the country has announced holding their third annual Hijra Festival 2025 at the Seaview Beach on October 25. The event will bring together members of the transgender community from across Pakistan along with social activists, artists, and human rights defenders.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Saturday, transgender representatives Kami Choudhry and Dr. Sarah Gill mentioned, this year’s festival will be held under the theme ‘Standing for Our Identity, Dignity, Freedom, and Our Land’.

They said the aim of the event is to promote recognition, respect, and equality for trans persons while celebrating their culture and traditions.

Kami Choudhry emphasised that the Hijra Festival is not just an entertainment event but a powerful platform for trans people to express their identity and dignity. She added that the festival will feature awareness sessions, cultural shows, musical performances, and art displays, with participation from both local and international artists.

Pakistan’s first transgender doctor, Dr Sarah Gill, said, the community has always struggled for equal rights and protection. “This year’s festival reaffirms our commitment to ensuring equality, dignity, and freedom for all of us,” she said, adding that the event also highlights the objectives of the Equality and Community Awareness (ECA) initiative to promote practical steps for the protection of transgender rights in Pakistan.

The organisers noted that last year’s festival drew thousands of attendees, and this year’s scope has been expanded to include international participants. The Hijra Festival team appealed to the public, media, and civil society to join the celebration and help spread the message of harmony, peace, and inclusivity.