A lesson from the past.

Byline: Munaza KazMi

The word transgender is an umbrella term for any person whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned to them at birth. Although the word 'transgender' and the modern definition of it only came into use in the late 20th century, people who would fit under this definition have existed in every culture throughout recorded history. Around the world, transgenders are the most deprived community. The God's creation whom we consider as lowly and second rate, without realizing. However, in theory, Pakistan has progressive laws that protect trans rights and recognize transgender to be the third gender in 2009, which is a milestone in South Asia. Historical references to the gender-diverse community go back thousands of years in South Asia, thou Pakistan is one of the only 12 countries in the world that recognize transgender identity on national ID cards. Moreover, Pakistani apex court ordered that transgenders must be counted separately in the census of 2017, and separate column was made for the said purpose. These people come from all walks of life. They are parents, siblings, and kids. They are your co-workers, your neighbours, and perhaps your friends. They are seven-year-old children and 70-year-old grandparents. They are a diverse community, representing all racial and ethnic backgrounds. According to a recent study, total transgender population of Pakistan is 10,418. Out of which 8.3% are living in KP, 0.25% in FATA, 64.39% in Punjab, 24.25% living in Sind, 1.04% is living in Balochistan and 1.27% in the federal capital territory. However, these unfortunate people are often disowned by their families and live together in communities, usually led by a Guru, in to a life of misery. Exclusion from education means that 42% of the community is illiterate, and employment is heavily focused on three specific jobs. According to 2016 study, 51% of trans people's overall income comes from dancing, 15% from sex work and 12% from begging. Sex work and begging have been outlawed in Pakistan, while dance rituals are seen by religious authorities as un-Islamic. Hence, you can imagine how difficult it would be to survive. Needless to say, here are a few transgenders with formal qualifications, who are often used for showcasing by local NGOs, to project diversity to international donor agencies while in reality, they still face discrimination. My readers...