Take This Quiz To Find Out About The Transgender Persons Act In Pakistan

Transgenders have been a part of this society for a very long time. However, their influence has substantially reduced over the years. They were once advisors, administrators, and generals for the Mughal emperors and for the Ottoman Empire. They were highly respected in the Mughal Courts where they shared their wisdom and helped ministries in decision making. Trans community played a significant role in contributing to the music, art, and poetry.

From being advisors and administrators of the Mughal Emperors to being shunned and disrespected by the society today, the transgender community did not progress in the subcontinent.

The trans community was criminalized by the British after they came to the subcontinent. They denied their civil rights and made laws which would condemn the transgenders from dancing and indulging into various other activities because they thought that the activities were derogatory. The ‘normal’ people were influenced by the British that even after they left, the trans community faced discrimination.

According to a census of 2017, there are over 10,000 transgenders living in Pakistan. However, they live in poor conditions. No social security is provided to them, no proper education or medical facilities which could cater to their problems. Due to these reasons and transphobia, they live in their own small communities where they are forced to work as sex workers, dancers or even as beggars.