Riz Ahmed explores Karachi's transgender communities

During his recent Pakistan trip, Riz visited a transgender settlement and shared what he learned with his followers

Updated 07 Mar, 2018

British actor/rapper Riz Ahmed's Instagram tells us that he flew down to Karachi after attending the Lahore Literary Festival as a speaker.

And yesterday, Riz revealed that he visited a transgender settlement in Karachi during his trip. He shared photos from his visit and penned down what he's learned about Pakistan's khwaja siras for his followers around the world.

Also read: Riz Ahmed makes TIME's 100 most influental people list

He begins by talking about the small but vital strides Pakistan's taken for transgender social inclusion, "The transgender community has been an established part of South Asian culture for hundreds of years. You see many many more transgender people walking around in Pakistan than in New York or London. In recent times Pakistan has even had a recognised ‘third gender’ on official government documents, cementing their place in society."

But he notes that these initial steps are slow in effecting positive change in transgender lives. "Despite this recognition however, they are marginalised and often earn a living through dancing, sex work or a kind of spiritual begging (it is believed their prayers and curses carry more weight, so it’s best not to anger them, and instead to seek their blessings)."

A transgender lady in Karachi, face bleeding fresh from a street-fight. The transgender community has been an established part of South Asian culture for hundreds of years. You see many many more transgender people walking around in Pakistan than in New York or London. In recent times Pakistan has even had a recognised ‘third gender’ on official government documents, cementing their place in society. Despite this recognition however, they are marginalised and often earn a living through dancing, sex work or a kind of spiritual begging (it is believed their prayers and curses carry more weight, so it’s best not to anger them, and instead to seek their blessings). Same sex relationships are very common in Pakistan and often not thought of as a sign of homosexuality. In many ways this is a non binary culture - in terms of gender, sexuality, and faith. Religiously observant transgender sex workers who live by exacting a spiritual tax, is a good example of this. Known as Khwaaja Sarai (or disparagingly and more commonly as ‘Hijra’) they trace their lineage at least as far back as being an important part of the Mughal royal court and administration. The community has an ancient custom of adopting newcomers into guru and disciple relationships. Financial and social rights and responsibilities flow both ways in an interdependent, although sometimes exploitative ‘family’ system.

A post shared by Riz Ahmed (@rizahmed) on Mar 6, 2018 at 4:18am PST

Riz's post earned many positive reactions, with people thanking him for the insight. "Thank you for teaching, it is of such great importance to support those in less privileged positions and to understand more of other cultures. Much love!" said one. "Wow. Definitely the best thing I've learned all day. Thank you for sharing!" another wrote.

Riz has also shared photos of Pakistan's unique truck art a post in praise of Pakistan's and also shared photos from his trip to Juna Market and Johriya Bazaar.

Comments

akram Mar 07, 2018 04:39pm

I commend Riz for bringing this issue to the fore, frankly there are many minorities who have not been given their rights in Pakistan. This has to stop, the sign of a developed country is one where all minorities are given their rights as citizens. We cannot develop Pakistan without this.

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Abdul Latif Rodnani from Makli Mar 07, 2018 04:39pm

It's really amazing to know regarding the survival,livelihood and way of routine life of khawaja sira's in pakistan it's pertinent to be adhere to such issues knowing how's tough ones life is and the doing s being allowed by their tradition in accordance with the current go up of society....

Abdul Latif Rodnani from Makli Mar 07, 2018 04:58pm

It's really amazing to know regarding such issues being faced here by khuwaja sira's.almost going in hot heat to earn their livelihood even beyond to fulfill wants, in such a society which only sarcastic it's doings without considering the complexties.

Abdul Latif Rodnani Mar 07, 2018 05:02pm

It's really great to know about such issues being faced here by khuwaja sira's when one is totally looks pressed in its daily life.

Roz Mar 08, 2018 08:59am

Juna market and Johriya Bazaar love it man now that what you call real tour of karachi