The situation of the transgender community in Pakistan is rather dismal. They are deprived of human rights and ostracized in society, forcing them to live in abject conditions.
They also are being deprived of access to basic necessities of life. However, there are some courageous transgenders who are working for the welfare of the transgender community.
MM News spoke with transgender social worker Saba Gul, who is chairman of the Chairman of Indus Home Welfare Association.
MM News: How did start welfare work for transgenders?
Saba Gul: I have always seen that people in our community either dance or engage in prostitution to earn money. Transgenders are not seen in any respectable profession, while they have the same right to work in other professions. Just like others, I feel like they can become doctors, engineers and pilots if they get the chance.
MM News: What are you doing for the education of the transgender community?
Saba Gul: My aim is that transgender people should get an education and earn a decent livelihood. I have established schools and madrassas where they will be educated and people are also supporting me.
MM News: Do you think transgenders are forced into prostitution and begging?
Saba Gul: I think the common people are more to blame as they tell eunuchs not to stand on the street but not give them jobs to earn their livelihood with dignity. The same goes for the people of our community as not do such things and earn a living with dignity.
MM News: How has inflation affected your community?
Saba Gul: Our community has been affected a lot by this inflation because already we don’t have any other means of livelihood. Many people have stopped giving alms to transgenders due to the rising cost of living.
MM News: Do you have any intention to join politics?
Saba Gul: No. I have no such intention because firstly I am old and secondly, if I enter politics I think that I may not be able to do the work that I am doing for the welfare of my community.
MM News: Have you ever been prevented or threatened while doing your work?
Saba Gul: Yes, I have. This happens every day but I am not afraid of anyone. I have a strong faith in Allah. Even if these people kill me, I will not back down from this work.
MM News: What do say about transgender doing immoral acts and the prevalence of AIDS?
Saba Gul: I don’t consider these people as part of my community who do such wrong things. I think it is the fault of other people in the society as well to commit such immoral acts with transgenders.
Parents should teach their children so that they don’t go to places where transgenders do immoral acts.
