Navigating Survival as Trans in Pakistan with the Backdrop of Historical and Recent Sociolegal Backlashes

• In Event: Navigating Victimization and Reporting as a Trans or Gender Diverse Individuals

Abstract

The oppression faced by Pakistan's transgender community has deep historical roots in British colonization, which enforced a gender binary for social control. Despite legal recognitions, like the 2009 Supreme Court decision and the 2018 Transgender Persons Act, slow implementation hinders access to education, healthcare, and employment. This study, based on semi-structured interviews with activists, explores themes such as the impact of victimization, community support, and challenges in the socio-legal landscape. Ongoing scrutiny and potential amendments to the 2018 Act, along with social backlash, jeopardize hard-won gains. Social media plays a crucial role in documenting violence. The potential implications of this study are far-reaching, extending beyond academia to inform social justice initiatives, policy reforms, and playing a role in addressing the victimization of this community. By amplifying the voices of the marginalized transgender community, it fosters awareness and empathy, addressing challenges in a global context where transgender rights gain prominence.

Author

• Hannan Latif, University of Illinois Chicago