Living in a society where one’s sexuality is often denigrated and the target of prejudice may be a terrifying experience. This reality is all too familiar to transgender people because they frequently experience abusive behaviour from the society they live in. They must take on a difficult and tough route in order to better themselves and have a meaningful impact on their individual identities.
Contrary to the simple and generally seamless career paths of many people, transgender people encounter numerous obstacles in their professional lives. They have to work really hard to be accepted in a society where “commoners” make up the majority of the population. Remarkable Pakistani citizen Shahzadi Rai recently broke through barriers by becoming the first transgender person to serve in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) City Council. Her most recent swearing-in event has sparked a flood of excitement and joy on Twitter and elsewhere.
MM News interviewed Shehzadi Rai to know about her struggle and future ambitions.
Rai’s appointment is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a testament to the triumph of perseverance and resilience. In expressing her excitement, Rai acknowledges the historic nature of her role and extends gratitude to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its leaders for their instrumental support in making this landmark achievement possible.
Before her groundbreaking appointment, Rai had been diligently working as a violence case manager at the Gender Interactive Alliance, tirelessly advocating for the legislative rights of the khwajasira community in Pakistan.
Talking about her struggle, Shahzadi Rai said, “For years, I had a deep view of politics. I had to face criticism that it wasn’t a domain for people like me, but I never gave up.”
She says you don’t change the way you are for fear of people’s criticism.
“I met Naser Hussain Shah at an event,” she added “Who gave me the hope that we will be given the opportunity to work for our community in KMC, and finally I got the opportunity.”
After becoming a Councillor, Shahzadi said that I am a transgender rights activist, I am the Violence Case Manager in Gender Interactive Alliance. I am proud to serve for my community.
Rai’s appointment as members of the KMC City Council is a first for their community, but she hopes it’s not the last.
