If we talk about rights (Social/ Constitutional) then it should be for every gender regardless of who is male, female or transgender. That is our social responsibility, as the state or as a person, to address this with all standards of equity. Why is that difficult to live with love, care, and complete collaboration to make this country a peaceful place?
A very basic concern is a right to vote, and equal participation in the electoral system. After doing so much in this regard, we have yet a lot to do in policies and their implications. There are more than 30k transgenders by population in Pakistan according to some stats. Bindiya Khan, a friend of mine from Karachi says that this is a rough estimate, there is a great number of our population that is unregistered yet. But who cares?
It is to learn that without the participation of every segment in society, we can’t run in the pace which is required by time and competition. The example of unequal societies is like a punctured vehicle, but the driver doesn’t bother, he/she has to win the race in any way. If we want to progress, and in the right direction, we can never ignore the equal rights of all the segments and classes of life. We have to give an equal opportunity to the transgender community to take part in our electoral system, education system and other state departments without any idea of segregation.
Where to start tackling this problem is the next step for feeding the thought. Lack of awareness comes first. Many of the transgenders are even not aware of the process and benefits of voting. As we consider our literate and illiterate population to aware of the process of the electoral system, where stands our transgender community? Aint we ignoring and segregating them because of their different identity?
Now comes the next step, a separate voting booth. Do they actually deserve to be accepted as a third gender? Are we ready to give them a right that they can proudly live with their identity in this country? Sensible standards should accept them and worldly nations do. But we still are having issues providing them separate voting booths. This is still a matter of that debate about which nobody cares.
Now comes the right to participate in elections. The tragedy with the total conscience of our society is that constitutionally and socially we consider the transgender community as a minority in Pakistan. Yes, to participate in the seats of provincial and general assembly, transgenders have no specified quota for them, they can contest elections as per the minorities in Pakistan take part in elections. For me, we even should not segregate minorities this way even. Why is that so difficult to live like humans with some common sense? This is common-sense that every identity and gender has its specific needs and requirements and this is very natural.
The community is already discriminated against and the subject of every second joke, people who are working on the rights of transgenders are appreciated to have the courage to make their efforts but what we should expect from the resting society? Don’t let them dishonored begging and dancing in the streets, give them space to perform In the society as every citizen of the land is doing. Let them represent their community, give a pat of appreciation on their courage and push them up to the power lobbies so they can at least address the problems of their community themselves.
Little changes can make big differences, let give them space, let them be the part of this society being an honorable citizen, and see the results. What needed here is a little change in policies that can lead to the betterment of society.
