Socio-economic Issues of Transgenders in Pakistan

In the contemporary world, the transgender community faces significant challenges, particularly in third-world countries like Pakistan, where strict societal norms and legal frameworks marginalize them. This article explores the socio-economic issues and historical background of transgenders in Pakistan to better understand their plight and perilous existence.

The transgender community has long been an integral and revered part of Subcontinental culture. Historical evidence attests to the existence of transgender people as a “third sex.” In the pre-colonial era, the existence of hijras was celebrated, and common people held high regard for transgender people as they were thought to be more connected and closer to god.

Considering the legal rights recognition of transgender people, in the historical context of the 18th century, the Maratha State not only provided them rights but also catered to their rights specifically, giving them land and cash grants, and giving them special positions at royal courts. Under British colonial rule, the transgender community faced significant marginalization. The British viewed them as barbaric, even though South Asian societies, particularly the people of the subcontinent, had a more inclusive attitude and mindset towards them even back in the day. This irony is stark when we consider how the British, who considered themselves civilized, were more regressive and anti-inclusive which has always been their only legacy.

The plight of transgender people in countries like Pakistan, where the government has made progressive laws to protect transgender individuals but has put no thought into the implementation of their rights, is a pressing issue.

One of the most egregious examples of this discrimination toward transgender people under the British Raj was the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. This Act classified the entire Hijra/eunuch community as inherently ‘criminal’ and prone to committing non-bailable offences. It allowed for strict control and surveillance of certain tribes or castes deemed ‘criminal’ or ‘thugs’, and specifically targeted eunuchs/hijras. They could be penalized for performing, dancing, or dressing as a women and could be arrested without a warrant and imprisoned for up to two years. This Act reflects the oppressive nature of British rule at a time when human rights and civil liberties were not widely recognized or advocated for.

Recently, Pakistan has legally recognized the existence of a third gender, and in 2017 a bill for the protection of transgenders was proposed in the Pakistani Senate. In recent years, Pakistan has made strides in legally recognizing transgender individuals. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, of 2018, grants them fundamental rights, including the right to self-identify their gender. Despite this legal progress, the enforcement of these rights remains inconsistent, and many trans individuals continue to face discrimination in accessing justice.

To understand employment and economic opportunities, there exists immense discrimination, even in highly developed countries. A lot of research work conducted related to employment shows the persistence of gender inequality as men and women only reinforce the binary conception of gender. In the United States, the “Equal Employment Opportunity Commission” (EEOC) only includes the male and female options of gender, with no other option. The plight of transgender people in countries like Pakistan, where the government has made progressive laws to protect transgender individuals but has put no thought into the implementation of their rights, is a pressing issue.

The whole world acknowledges the existence of transgender people, yet very little to almost nothing has been done for their development or to include them in the process of development. In today’s world, where most global debates are about inclusivity, gender quality and acceptance, the predicament of transgender people in Pakistan is a different debate, the presence of stern societal norms and lack of acceptance of trans people is so harmful that young transgender individuals are expelled from their homes. They are considered a symbol of shame; there is no place for them in their parents’ home or even hearts. So when it comes to trans people in Pakistan, discrimination has multiple layers, which include intricate issues of mental health which always persist.

Research conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, with a total of 214 research participants shows that about 70% of transgender people seek health care from government hospitals. 70% reported that they receive poor-quality health care. The main reasons for not getting proper care are non-acceptance (20.7%), feeling ashamed (28.7%), non-availability of CNIC (44.5%), and unaffordability (6.1%). Healthcare providers lack the professional training and sensitivity needed to address the unique health needs of transgender individuals.

Highlighting the success stories and achievements within the transgender community can inspire change and create more tolerance and inclusivity towards them. Drawing light on normal things like transgender people doing normal jobs and living a normal life will also help create a safe space for them.

According to UNDP, the transgender community in Pakistan faces serious and significant challenges because of the prevalent ‘transphobia’ culture. Such hate toward the already marginalized community results in denial of their legal, socio-economic, and political rights. There’s a need to perpetuate the mindset of acceptance towards transgender people so that they are not attacked and harmed by mobs in public spaces by mainstream society.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and activists play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities everywhere around the globe. These NGOs provide essential services such as healthcare, legal aid, education, as well as vocational training, helping to alleviate some of the community’s struggles. These organizations also work to raise awareness and challenge the societal norms that perpetuate discrimination. NGOs that work for transgender communities on the frontline in Pakistan are Gender Interactive Alliance, Trans Action, Good Thinkers Organization, Sathi Saffar and Aurat Foundation.

Highlighting the success stories and achievements within the transgender community can inspire change and create more tolerance and inclusivity towards them. Drawing light on normal things like transgender people doing normal jobs and living a normal life will also help create a safe space for them. Public Trans figures like Marvia Malik, Pakistan’s first transgender news anchor, Kami Sid and Rimal Ali, prominent transgender models and activists, and Alina Khan who recently starred in a movie called “Joyland” played a very strong-headed character of transgender person which challenged stereotypes and won best international film at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

The transgender people in Pakistan face an excruciating number of socio-economic challenges, rooted in radical, cultural and systematic prejudices. Formulating a legal framework of rights isn’t enough. There’s a need to address these issues through a multifaceted approach by involving legal reforms, societal change, and active support from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. By shining a light on their daily struggles we can work towards a more inclusive, equitable and truly developed society for all.