Socio-Cultural And Economic Challnges Faced By Transgenders In Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

In the history and culture of Pakistan, transgender individuals have played important roles in various celebrations, including weddings, birthdays, festivals, and other significant events. The third gender is known by different names in Pakistan, such as Murat, Hijra, Khawaja Sara, and Khusra. Unfortunately, due to the ignorance and hostile mindset of some individuals, transgender people are not treated equally in society and face ignorance, stigma, and widespread rejection. Transgender individuals in Pakistani society endure insensitivity, violence, and harassment, and are often victims of hate crimes. Elderly transgender individuals face barriers to accessing financial resources and receiving community support. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the issues and challenges faced by the transgender community in Pakistan.  This study was conducted in three purposively selected districts (Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad) of Punjab province. These districts have the highest number of transgenders according to the People Census 2017. The total number of transgenders in three districts was 2370, and the sample was 331 determined using the online sample size calculator www.sureysystem.com keeping a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. In total, 171, 85, and 75 transgenders were chosen from districts Lahore, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad, respectively. Respondents were chosen using the snowball sampling technique because of not having a finite location. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview schedule and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The majority of respondents were unemployed. Many respondents relied on income from entertainment activities, such as performing dances, while a significant portion reported earning less than 50,000 PKR per month. Homelessness was a significant problem among transgender individuals. Long working hours were common among the respondents. Results further indicated that transgenders were facing health disparities, depression and anxiety. Concerning with safety, unsupportive community, unsupportive family, social exclusion and workplace harassment were key challenges being faced by respondents. Respondents also reported facing institutional discrimination, high poverty rates and unemployment among transgenders. Transgenders perceived they are deprived of privacy, legal protection, right to vote, safety, violence and access to education. Pertinent to aforementioned challenges the transgenders were socially excluded and their social and psychological adjustment was vulnerable. Awareness of departmental/institutional efforts for transgender individuals was found to be generally low, indicating a need for increased awareness and support. Social media platforms and YouTube channels were the most frequently used sources of information among transgender individuals. The principal component factors analysis (PCA) indicted that factors like (i) health (ii) safety (iii) economics and (iv) civil rights were significant challenges faced by respondents, whereas (i) social inclusion (ii) psychological improvement (iii) educational opportunities and (iv) political support were key factors affecting the social adjustment of the transgenders. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges and implementing measures to promote social inclusion, equal opportunities, and support for transgender individuals in various domains of life.