'Hijra Festival' blends celebration with call for equality, protection of transgender citizens

Kami Chaudhry says transgender community is integral part of society, yet continues to face discrimination

KARACHI:

The Khawaja Sara (transgender) community celebrated the Hijra Festival 2025 with a vibrant rally that captured both the cultural and political aspirations of the community. Transgender people and their supporters turned out in huge numbers demanding recognition, respect, and the right to equal opportunities in society.

The rally, which began on Saturday at Burns Garden, was filled with energy as participants danced and raised their voices in support of their demands. The procession culminated at the festival venue, where speeches, performances, and calls for solidarity echoed throughout the day. This year’s event marked the third annual Hijra Festival, which has steadily gained momentum as a platform for both celebration and advocacy.

Community leader Kami Chaudhry said, "While the transgender community is an integral part of society, they continue to face systemic marginalisation. We are citizens of this country, yet we are not treated equally. We face discrimination, and our basic rights, including employment opportunities, are denied.”

She reaffirmed that despite these challenges, the Hijra Festival has once again proved to be a successful event, providing a sense of unity and strength to the community. The theme of this year’s festival was focused on environmental protection, a cause the transgender community is deeply invested in, recognising that environmental destruction also impacts them.

“We stand for our identity, our dignity, and our freedom, and we also stand for the protection of our environment,” said Dr Sarah Gill, a prominent transgender rights advocate. “Environmental harm affects everyone, including the Khawaja Sara community, and we must unite in our efforts to preserve our land,” she added, urging citizens to plant trees and contribute to environmental conservation.

The Hijra Festival not only served as a day of joy but also highlighted the pressing issues faced by the community. “This festival is not against anyone; it is a celebration calling for our rights, and our hopes for a better future,” said community leaders. They voiced concern over the rising violence against transgender people, which has included multiple murders in recent years, and stressed the urgent need for protective measures.

One of the key demands raised at the festival was for the government to take concrete steps towards the protection, welfare, and development of trans persons. The community called for the implementation of job quotas, inclusion in disaster relief, housing, and healthcare programmes, as well as immediate legislation for reserved seats in national and provincial assemblies for transgender representatives.

At the event, trans persons showcased their artistic talents, with banners and placards that read: “We want freedom,” “We deserve respect and dignity,” and “Change the clap… the mindset will change too.”

Bindia Rana, another prominent community leader, said that the festival attracted participants from all walks of life. “Today, we pledge to continue our peaceful struggle for our rights. We seek only to be recognised as equal citizens of this society,” she said.

Rana thanked police for their swift action in apprehending several suspects, involved in killing trans persons in recent past, while expressing hope that with their increasing involvement in local government, the community would soon secure representation in the parliament as well.

Labour and human rights activist Nasir Mansoor described the transgender community as one of the most oppressed segments of society. He hailed the Hijra Festival as a moment of joy and celebration but also as a call for the urgent resolution of their social and legal issues. “The Khawaja Sara community deserves justice, protection, and equal rights,” Mansoor added, reaffirming his solidarity with the community’s demands.

Educationist Professor Dr Riaz Sheikh encouraged trans persons to pursue education and excel in all fields, stressing that empowerment through education is the key to breaking societal barriers. Political leader Saadia Chaudhry also pledged her support, affirming that Khawaja Sara issues would be raised on every political platform.

The event featured a drama performance highlighting the community’s ongoing struggles, further raising awareness about the challenges they face. Community leaders also expressed gratitude to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the city administration, Sindh police, and other institutions for their support in organising the successful event. Various stalls were set up at the venue. Participants planted saplings as part of their commitment to environmental sustainability.