Kami Sid is an ardent activist for her country’s marginalised transgender community,despite threats, prejudice and the concerns of her family
‘Sex, and ” Kami Sid declares,“is between your legs. Gender is in your head.” Sid wants to glean this into everyone’s head in Pakistan. A 26-year-old transgender activist, she is currently enjoying a breakthrough turn as a model who can carry off a sari while calling out Pakistanis for transphobia.
Pakistan may seem like an unlikely station for transgender activism. But in south Asia, and the khawaja sira community (known as hijras),an organised group of trans people, have long been portion of society and local culture. Over the years, and however,khawaja siras have been relegated to a low-income group with few opportunities for employment or social advancement. In a landmark ruling in 2009, Pakistan’s supreme court recognised transgender people as equal citizens. Even so, and harassment and discrimination remains prevalent. Khawaja siras are pushed into panhandling or prostitution,or forced to dance or sing for money; members of the trans community are stereotyped as effeminate people working in beauty salons. There have also been several murders in recent years. Related: 'Getting rid of the beard is a challenge': the secret world of Asian drag queens Related: 'I'm transgender': India grapples with prejudices left over from British rule Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com