- Pakistani transgender individuals face challenges in obtaining rights and recognition both within Pakistan and globally, due to discrimination, prejudice, and violence.
- Historically marginalized, they have been denied access to education, employment, and healthcare, while also experiencing social exclusion and stigmatization.
- Legal protections for transgender rights have been limited in Pakistan, with a lack of official recognition and difficulties in obtaining accurate identification documents, hindering access to essential services.
Anaya Rahimi, a Pakistani trans woman, advocate and comedian utilized Twitter to reveal her unfortunate experience of being denied boarding an Emirates flight to Tunisia.
The reason for the denial is allegedly due to her X gender designation on official documents, indicating her identity as a transgender woman, according to her statement.
In an Instagram post, Rahimi recounted the incident, expressing her dismay at the ill-treatment from Emirates personnel, who forbade her from embarking on the flight based on the airline’s policy of not permitting transgender individuals to travel. Despite her earnest attempts to engage in a dialogue with the staff, her pleas fell on deaf ears.
Her post caption reads:
I was invited by The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) – Arab World regional Office Regional Office @ippf_global , to present Pakistan. They booked my tickets through Emirates after Getting confirmation from Emirtaes sales head (Tnisia) he clearly wrote in email that I am ok to board will share them too in next post.
I confimred from @emirates headoffice as well and they said that there is no policy that stops trans people to travel but what happned to me was completely different and traumatising. When I went to emirates check in Lahore @lahoreairport the @emirates staff there stopped me and insulted me first because of my gender they along with there manager used transphobic slurs and then told me that you cant travel as @emirates does not allow trangender people to travel.
I tried my best to argue and make my case presented the email approval by emirates and told that I confirmed from headoffice too but they shut me down and asked gaurds to escort me out didnt let me use my phone as well.
This is how these Arab Countries treat human beings there double standereds are not new to us. If youve visited UAE you must know that whats the condition there its called second LGBTQ Heaven for a reason. They will accept you with wrong ID (male or female) but rejects you with the real identity. Due to this incedent Im in severe stress and I really felt ashamed and humiliated when I got confirmation that due to this I wont be able to attend the meetings in Tunisia.
Also Read:
Pakistani Drama Guru’s Riveting Narrative is Changing Mindsets Towards the Trans Community
She added:
When I approached the Emirates check-in counter at Lahore Airport, the staff, along with their manager, not only disrespected me because of my gender but also used derogatory language targeting transgender individuals. Despite presenting them with the email approval from Emirates and confirming the matter with the head office, my concerns were dismissed, and security personnel escorted me out. Moreover, they even confiscated my phone, depriving me of communication.
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Following the widespread circulation of Rahimi’s post on Twitter, other transgender activists, including Shahzadi Rai, who had previously encountered a similar ordeal with FlyDubai due to her gender identity, denounced the airline’s discriminatory actions and demanded that authorities take appropriate measures against the organization.
how some powerful nations seem to escape accountability for their actions while others face harsh consequences. The apparent lack of action by the @UN.@flydubai did same thing to me now @emirates rejected Trans person bcoz of her gander. Shame on u @emirates https://t.co/BGqKDmwBWl
— Shahzadi Rai (@ShahzadiRai) July 3, 2023
Emirates Airline showing their shitty discriminatory values in all their glory @emirates https://t.co/Gl5thHI4tJ
— Faizan. (@thoraoffbeat) July 3, 2023
#endtransphobia https://t.co/uAb65Ehh6R
— Bubbles 🏳️⚧️ (@Bubbleskhanum) July 3, 2023
Pakistani Trans Individuals & Their Struggles
Pakistani transgender individuals have faced significant challenges in obtaining rights and recognition both within Pakistan and globally. These struggles can be attributed to various factors, including societal attitudes, legal frameworks, and cultural norms.
Pakistani trans individuals have historically been marginalized and subjected to discrimination, prejudice, and violence. They have often been denied access to education, employment opportunities, and healthcare services. Additionally, they have faced social exclusion and stigmatization, leading to a lack of acceptance and understanding from the wider community.
Legally, transgender rights have been limited in Pakistan. Until recently, there was no specific legislation addressing the rights and protections of transgender individuals. They were not officially recognized as a distinct gender category, which meant they faced difficulties in obtaining legal identification documents that accurately reflected their gender identity. This lack of recognition also hindered their access to basic services such as healthcare and education.
Also Read:
Private Airline Allegedly Refuses to Fly Trans Passenger Over Gender
Globally, transgender individuals face similar challenges. Many countries still lack comprehensive legal protections for transgender rights. Transphobia and discrimination persist in various forms, including limited access to healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities. Transgender individuals also face higher rates of violence and hate crimes compared to the general population.
However, there have been some positive developments in recent years. In Pakistan, significant strides have been made towards recognizing transgender rights. In 2018, the Supreme Court of Pakistan issued a landmark judgment affirming transgender individuals’ rights and directing the government to ensure their protection and inclusion. The judgment recognized transgender individuals as a third gender and called for affirmative action to address their marginalization.
Internationally, there has been increased advocacy and awareness about transgender rights. Efforts are being made to promote legal protections, provide healthcare services, and challenge societal prejudices. Transgender activists and organizations are working tirelessly to raise awareness, advocate for legal reforms, and foster inclusivity and acceptance.
While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure full rights and recognition for transgender individuals in Pakistan and globally. Continued efforts are needed to challenge discriminatory practices, change societal attitudes, and implement inclusive policies that protect and empower transgender individuals.
Let’s end discrimination against all races and human beings once and for all.
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