In the run-up to the New Year, Pakistan’s first-ever march for Transgender Pride took place in Lahore. This was a proud moment for the community. Indeed, all those who participated must be applauded for their bravery and for reclaiming the public sphere. For as all minority groups know only too well — it is an arduous journey from the recognition of rights on paper to true acceptance. For many, it is one that never ends.
The year 2018 brought with it many positives for the transgender community. Back in May, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018 was passed into law; with immediate effect. This was a landmark victory for this marginalised group. Though it is not without its problems; such as falling short of recognising rape as a crime against and remaining silent on the question of the right to reproductive self-determination. Be that as it may, those attending the Pride march over the weekend used the opportunity to urge the new political set-up to implement the Act at the earliest. It is therefore hoped that the Imran Khan government does the needful on this front. Nevertheless, having such laws on the books has not stemmed the violence that the transgender community faces. Thus police and doctors need to be appropriately sensitised; with the latter being reminded of the Hippocratic Oath. Elsewhere, the country’s first transgender news anchor took to the screen. Marvia Malik gained iconic status overnight. It was well-deserved. For being a public figure means opening oneself up to ridicule and abuse. Thus Ms Malik has demonstrated immense courage and professionalism. Indeed, she is trailblazer for others.
Yet be all this as it may, it would be a disservice to the entire community if we, here at this newspaper, overlooked the fact that the most prominent transgender figures identify as women. This raises important questions as to underlying gender dynamics. Such as, are the latter more readily accepted into mainstream society given that women are still largely treated as second-class citizens? What of those who choose to identify as men? What are their experiences of trying to muscle in, as it were, on prevailing patriarchal power structures? Pakistan has made important headway in recognising transgender rights. But it and much of the world needs to do more. Sadly, success on this front will likely not happen overnight given that women — on a global scale — still do not enjoy all the safeguards accorded to them under international conventions.
Nevertheless, the greater the number of minority groups that stand up to demand their rights the more diluted certain power centres become. Thus in the Pakistani context, the biggest threat to a resurgent and violent religious right would be an alliance of women, religious minorities and members of the transgender community.
Here is to 2019 being the year of meaningful solidarity.
