‘We’re always there for you, but you turn us away when we need your support’

This year Pakistan saw many episodes of violence against the transgender community, and in order to remember those who were killed for their identity, an event was held on Sunday evening to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance.
The event also acknowledged those who are striving to survive against the rising transphobia in society and was helmed by Sub Rang Society, an organisation working to support social inclusion and well-being of gender and sexual minorities through various programmes.
Kami Sid, the transgender rights activist behind Sub Rung Society, started off by saying that the day was an important one because while it was painful to mourn those who died naturally, it was far more agonising to weep for those forced to leave the world as in the cases of transmen and transwomen across the world.
Kami briefly recounted the development of the rights of the transgender community, declaring that even though it was a long way to go, the protection bill yet to be tabled in the Sindh Assembly would help many.
Mehwish Maria of UN Women Pakistan said the sharp rise in the crimes committed because of transphobia and homophobia were alarming, and the people needed to let go of their ingrained biases.
Gender Interactive Alliance President Bindiya Rana, who is known for her unwavering struggle for the transgender community, said that with the exception of a few people, she had to work her way through for all her disciples.
“I saw many firsts in my own life, be it contesting in politics or setting up health camps in rural Sindh and Balochistan.
“Be it a bomb blast affecting a sect or anyone getting victimised, our doors are always open to everyone, but when it’s our turn to plead for help, doors are shut in our faces.”
She said the state authorities did not a raise voice against the killings of the members of the transgender community, which was very disheartening.
“When the court passed an order a few years ago to verify our gender identity, I stormed the NADRA office to demand if men and women were asked to do the same. I take great pride that while earlier there were none like me, now there are many who are out there to raise our voice.
“Soon we would not rely solely on women or men to speak on our behalf, rather members of our own community would be in a position to solve our problems.” Representing the Sindh Transgender Network, Shahzadi Rai said their community members must not be targeted ruthlessly just because they were trying to support themselves.
“It’s not a new fact that there are close to no job opportunities for us. “If some of us attend functions to feed ourselves, we shouldn’t be shot or harassed, as it has been witnessed lately.”
She mentioned that in the past two years 53 cases of murder had been reported in Peshawar alone, and similar instances were now being seen in other cities. She remarked that it was amusing to see many organisations show an interest in fighting for their rights to push their own interests.
“There are two extremes: either we’re completely ignored or we’re given so much attention that it seems the entire year’s quota is being appropriated in a single day.” Nuzhat Shireen, chairperson of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women, said the provincial body would also extend participation to members of the transgender community and would be glad to have their representative as well.
MPA Saira Shahliani of the Sindh Women’s Parliamentary Caucus also assured her full support, saying that the transgender community must not be treated with indifference. Activist Naghma Sheikh felt that while it would be difficult to get rid of transphobia, it could still be possible to achieve by paving the way for an all-gender inclusive society. A documentary titled ‘Wujood’, part of the Aks International Minorities Festival, about self-love was also screened at the event.