Transgender (also referred to as khusra) reflects a group of people who enjoys the least amount of respect or rights in Pakistan. Due to the controversial nature and typical mindset of people, the subject of Transgender rights in Pakistan is not even discussed in sophisticated circles. Most people do not even consider them as a part of their community; massive rejections are often faced by transgenders in almost all the parts of Pakistan.Today my topic will describe the real beauty of a human,which is given by god and counted as a discrimination in our society.
The face of beauty, not the face of discrimination. -Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (2007), Article 2 which says “Every single human being is entitled to enjoy his or her human rights without distinction as to race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”. But in our country we do not even think about the person who has third sex and for this reason we treat them in a curl way.To be transgender means being unsafe across the globe, mainly because the masses have neither the understanding of gender diversity nor the awareness that a gender non-binary exists. Specifically in Pakistan, an almost outright denial of the existence of transgender people has led to their marginalization as well as a lack of respect from society at large. They face threats, harassment and humiliation on a daily basis, and are only seen as sex workers, dancers or beggars. The disrespect and discrimination reserved for them is across the board, as in my many years this article will show you who they in their real life, how they manage to live and breath. the pictures will describe their real struggle and routine of daily life as a human being.
In the 21st century, they have been deprived of their basic rights such as the Right to Education. Majority of the transgender people do not get a chance to pursue education in regular schools. In admission forms, there are only two gender options: Male and Female. In 2012, the Supreme Court of Pakistan granted transgenders a place on the National Identity Cards and pronounced their inalienable right to get education but no provincial government has so far succeeded in implementing this decision.Similarly, society’s behavior toward this community continues to be shameful. Most of us do not even consider them human beings. Even their parents and families do not consider them as their children. Majority of these individuals have no other option but to dance and sing in public spaces to earn a living. Government and other law enforcement agencies such as police are supposed to provide protection to all citizens but unfortunately government has been unwilling to take sincere action in this matter.
In our society, transgenders are usually first identified by the families. The community often mistakes them as pre-homosexuals and most Pakistani families become aggressive towards them. For example, strict warnings are given to them to change their attitude and most of them are rejected by their communities and loved ones.
I have often wondered why it is that generally there is hatred for ‘transgender’ in Pakistan. The term means different things to different people. At a very basic it means being born not knowing which gender you belong to.
Similarly, society’s behavior toward this community continues to be shameful. Most of us do not even consider them human beings. Even their parents and families do not consider them as their children. Majority of these individuals have no other option but to dance and sing in public spaces to earn a living. Government and other law enforcement agencies such as police are supposed to provide protection to all citizens but unfortunately government has been unwilling to take sincere action in this matter. Police itself is complicit in brutalizing and roughing up transgenders when they go to a Police Station to file a report. It is the responsibility of government to provide protection to them not only from citizens but also from the supposed protectors.
A myth seems to have formed that they cannot do any work except for sing and dance. I wonder who started this, the downwards spiral of degradation. Now they are not treated as equal, they live in secluded communities with their own kind, often in extreme poverty. Most are uneducated as the notion of a transgender child being brought up in a normal household and studying in a mainstream school is not an acceptable reality.As Pakistanis, we need to realize that this is not merely a war that these individuals have to fight they are human beings, just like us, and deserve as much of a right to education and these individuals have voices that are not heard by anyone. We need to be the voice that speaks on their behalf, fights for their rights and makes living for them less painful.
RIGHTS OF TRANSGENDER
The answer is pretty straightforward. Transgenders and LGBT community are considered as a sign of shame and disgrace in the Pakistani culture. Most of these individuals never get a chance to acquire education in the regular schools due to discriminatory treatment and disgusting attitude of fellow citizens.
Consequently, most of these individuals have no other option, but to make their living by singing and dancing alongside the road or in private parties. Additionally, transgenders are usually not encouraged to live amongst regular mohalla’s. They are bound to establish their own colonies outside of regular communities.
There are several other issues that are faced by transgenders in Pakistan; such as:
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There is no government aid or support system to help these individuals live a normal life.
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Government institutions and other governing bodies are known to harass these individuals.
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In case of any criminal victimization or even sexual harassment, these individuals get no help/ support from the community or government institutions.
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Due to literally no job opportunities and financial security, most members of the transgender community is forced to make their living by prostitution.
In the past few years, there has been an unnerving increase in violence against the transgender community in Pakistan. There have been incidents of brutal killing of transgender activists in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and other parts of the country. According to an activist member of the community, 45 transgender people have been killed and 300 suffered harassment in the last two years in KPK alone. Every day, members of this community suffer humiliation in one form or the other as they continue to be ignored in all walks of life such as education, health and employment in the government sector.
People say that transgender can only sing and dance; I wonder who came up with this spiral of degradation. Transgender are subjected to violence in Pakistan. A few months back a transgender activist who fought for the rights of transgender was shot in Peshawar. Transgender are not only subjected to physical violence but sexual harassment and rape as well. Pakistan’s constitution contain laws in written form that safeguard the rights of transgender but unfortunately, when the time comes to enforce the laws, no as such implementation of these said laws can be seen from government’s end. In 2012 Nadra created a 3rd gender in their data base to accommodate all transgender. I believe it is the time the government took some actions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Pakistani transgender.
As Pakistanis we need to realize that this is not merely a war that these individuals have to fights, they are humans just like us and deserve as much of a right to good education, good job opportunities and fair and equal treatment as any other normal members of the community because this is not even allowed in our religion and as being a true Muslim we should follow the rules of Islam. There is no superiority of one person to another on the basis of anything. We need to be the voice that speaks on their behalf, fights for their rights and makes living less painful for them.
Nargis, the guru of the community is showing her favorite wig.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
A transgender is smoking a cigarette to relieve his stress after begging on the roads.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
The guru and the chelas are getting ready for their work with their favorite cosmetics.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
Rehana, the chef of the house is preparing food for her self and her family members.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
Nargis, the dancer teacher is getting ready to give dance classes to the members.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
A transgender seems to be in deep thoughts of life.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
Guru and the chela, having a funny conversation.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
The transgenders are dancing and having a good time together after coming back from work.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
Paaro, a lover, who was ditched by her better half, made her remove his name from her wrist with acid.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
Rehana, taking rest after cooking food for her family.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
The guru advising her chela for working better.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
The transgender members are enjoying their Guru's dance in their leisure time.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
Nargis, getting ready to face the challenges of the world with a big smile on her face.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
Pinky, with a hope in her eyes is posing for a picture.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
The best transgender friends, showing their love .Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
Dolly, showing her room .Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
Together they are, more happier they are.Photo Courtesy: Maha Mir
THANK YOU
PHOTO BY: MAHA MIR BSS 6
PROJECT: PHOTOJOURNALISM
INSTRUCTOR: AISHA MIR
