7th March 2018 • opinion
Actor Riz Ahmed went to Pakistan and wrote this lovely, short note on transgender people there
Image: Riz Ahmed
The British actor Riz Ahmed recently travelled to Pakistan, his first visit in 13 years, and posted some beautiful pictures to his Instagram page.
He also posted some about transgender people in Pakistan, which we republish with permission.
A transgender lady in Karachi, face bleeding fresh from a street-fight.
The transgender community has been an established part of South Asian culture for hundreds of years.
You see many many more transgender people walking around in Pakistan than in New York or London.
In recent times Pakistan has even had a recognised ‘third gender’ on official government documents, cementing their place in society.
Despite this recognition however, they are marginalised and often earn a living through dancing, sex work or a kind of spiritual begging (it is believed their prayers and curses carry more weight, so it’s best not to anger them, and instead to seek their blessings).
Same sex relationships are very common in Pakistan and often not thought of as a sign of homosexuality.
In many ways this is a non binary culture - in terms of gender, sexuality, and faith. Religiously observant transgender sex workers who live by exacting a spiritual tax, is a good example of this.
Known as Khwaaja Sarai (or disparagingly and more commonly as 'Hijra') they trace their lineage at least as far back as being an important part of the Mughal royal court and administration.
The community has an ancient custom of adopting newcomers into guru and disciple relationships.
Financial and social rights and responsibilities flow both ways in an interdependent, although sometimes exploitative ‘family’ system.
Here are some other pictures he took while travelling around Pakistan
He also posted some about transgender people in Pakistan, which we republish with permission.
* * * * *
A transgender lady in Karachi, face bleeding fresh from a street-fight.
The transgender community has been an established part of South Asian culture for hundreds of years.
You see many many more transgender people walking around in Pakistan than in New York or London.
In recent times Pakistan has even had a recognised ‘third gender’ on official government documents, cementing their place in society.
Despite this recognition however, they are marginalised and often earn a living through dancing, sex work or a kind of spiritual begging (it is believed their prayers and curses carry more weight, so it’s best not to anger them, and instead to seek their blessings).
Same sex relationships are very common in Pakistan and often not thought of as a sign of homosexuality.
In many ways this is a non binary culture - in terms of gender, sexuality, and faith. Religiously observant transgender sex workers who live by exacting a spiritual tax, is a good example of this.
Known as Khwaaja Sarai (or disparagingly and more commonly as 'Hijra') they trace their lineage at least as far back as being an important part of the Mughal royal court and administration.
The community has an ancient custom of adopting newcomers into guru and disciple relationships.
Financial and social rights and responsibilities flow both ways in an interdependent, although sometimes exploitative ‘family’ system.
* * * * *
Here are some other pictures he took while travelling around Pakistan
About us
Barfi Culture is a news-magazine on people of South Asian heritage living in Europe and North America. We don't cover South Asia directly.
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