Incidents of Violence or Mistreatment involving Sexual Minorities Around the Globe
Gender identity is perhaps the most important aspect which determines the psycho-social behavior of humans. A gender identity crisis not only leads to a problematic social life but also lowers the self-esteem of an individual, which may potentially lead to his socio-economic and political alienation.
In Pakistan, transgender people and other marginalized minorities are ostracized by society and sometimes disowned by their families. Transgender women, in particular, live in groups for protection and survival. Due to widespread stigma and discrimination, many transgender women engage in sex work in extremely unsafe environments and circumstances. Their clients or sex partners feel that the sexual abuse of a transgender woman is permissible. Therefore, when they solicit their services, they invite friends over and gang rape them. These abuses cause severe emotional distress and mental agony for many transgender women. To cope with these realities, many survivors start indulging in drugs and alcohol or resort to self-harm.
The violence against sexual minorities is a global problem, according to Global Fund For Women, Violence, threats, and discrimination against sexual minorities around the world like Alisha and those at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, take many ugly forms .According to National Centre for Transgender Equality, Transgender people face extraordinary levels of physical and sexual violence, whether on the streets, at school or work, at home, or at the hands of government officials. More than one in four trans people has faced a bias-driven assault, and rates are higher for trans women and trans people of color.
Stereotypical thoughts
As a society fostering a number of stereotypical taboos and inhumane norms, the Pakistani transgender society has always been the sufferer of oppression and skepticism. There is an inborn fear of the trans genders amongst the “normal people” and this fear is inflicted since childhood. Pakistani parents are insecure and believe it’s inappropriate for their child to interact with a transgender hence developing this feeling of reluctance towards them.
What can we do?
As Pakistanis we need to realize that this is not merely a war that these individuals have to fight, they are humans just like us and deserve as much of a right to good education , good job opportunities and fair and equal treatment as any other normal member of the community. We need to be the voice that speaks on their behalf, fights for their rights and makes living less painful for them.
