Our society is clearly divided by class distinctions. One class is privileged, powerful, and living a prosperous life, while the other consists of oppressed and marginalized people. Within this marginalized class, if we examine closely, the transgender community appears to be at the lowest level.
Transgender people, often referred to by derogatory terms in society, have been striving for many years to gain their identity and equal human rights. Members of the third gender have always faced contempt and have been marginalized everywhere. Yet, despite the hardships and insults, they have not backed down in their pursuit of recognition and rights. Throughout their journey of asserting their identity, they have faced numerous obstacles, including harsh criticism. Nevertheless, some prominent figures from this community have repeatedly come forward to remind society that they, too, are human beings and an integral part of our world, deserving of respect and inclusion.
Activists working for transgender rights have endured various taunts and criticisms. Even legislative bills passed in favor of transgender rights have been met with accusations of foreign conspiracy and being against Islamic values. Despite these challenges, the community remains steadfast, striving to capture society’s attention with unwavering determination. As part of these efforts, the transgender community organized the Hijra Festival in Karachi last year to make their voices heard effectively. This year, the second Hijra Festival is scheduled to take place on November 9th.
This year’s Hijra Festival will be held on Saturday, November 9th, in Karachi, beginning with a march from Quaid-e-Azam House to Frere Hall. The festival will run from 2 PM to 7 PM, featuring a rally and various programs.
The event is being organized by “Sab Rang Society,” an NGO dedicated to transgender rights, led by Pakistan’s first transgender model, Kami Choudhary. Kami Choudhary, discussing the festival’s purpose, said, “The objectives of the Hijra Festival include recognizing our identity and seeking acceptance in society. Our goal is to empower the community, establish our presence, and make people understand that being a hijra is not a disgrace. Transgender people have the same value in society as any man or woman.”
Emphasizing the necessity of the Hijra Festival, Kami stated that transgender individuals face rejection from birth to death, even within their families, and are often not included in social celebrations. Therefore, the festival serves as a means for the transgender community to celebrate their identity and convey their voice effectively to society and the authorities.
Kami highlighted the numerous societal obstacles faced in organizing the festival, mentioning that last year also presented significant challenges. The word “hijra” itself is problematic for some, but it is a matter of identity. Despite the hurdles, the transgender community remains committed to their cause. Kami added that although the festival is named the Hijra Festival, it is not just for the transgender community but also represents all oppressed and marginalized groups in society. Everyone, regardless of color, race, or gender, is welcome to participate.
This Sunday, a press conference was held at the Karachi Press Club, where prominent transgender activists, including social leader Bindiya Rana, Kami Choudhary, Pakistan’s first transgender doctor, Sarah Gill, and Hijra Festival President Hina Pathani, discussed the event’s significance and the transgender community’s role in society.
Dr. Sarah Gill emphasized that the festival aims to promote the empowerment of the transgender community and highlight the importance of their rights. Transgender activist Bindiya Rana spoke about the harsh criticism faced when stepping out to advocate for their rights, but also noted that many enlightened individuals have joined their cause. Bindiya also mentioned that the festival is a platform to convey their demands to the government.
Meera Gill, a well-known and leading figure in Karachi’s transgender community, has worked tirelessly for the welfare of transgender individuals. She has been extensively involved in advertising and raising awareness for the Hijra Festival across various platforms. Meera stated that every member of the community should wholeheartedly support this event, as it is their own festival. Through this festival, they can present a positive image of their community to society. Meera has also launched social media campaigns and is inviting people to join the festival via various WhatsApp groups.
We also spoke to other notable personalities from the transgender community. Karachi-based dancer Roheela, known as Senorita, shared that transgender people do not have any designated day of celebration or joy. Therefore, one purpose of the Hijra Festival is to have a day of happiness where they can proudly showcase their achievements and the status they have carved out in society. It is a day of joy that should also involve others. Last year, media coverage contributed to the festival’s success. Roheela added that while transgender people do not have weddings or traditional celebrations, they participate in others’ festivities, and this time, the citizens should share in their joy.
The transgender community is striving for recognition and respect in society and working towards securing a dignified place. The Hijra Festival is one of these efforts and deserves appreciation.
