Latest news with #TransgenderPersons(ProtectionofRights)Act
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Divisional commissioner urges action for transgender welfare
Nagpur: Divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari on Monday directed district officials to fast-track welfare measures for the transgender community, implementing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act and resolving long-pending civic and legal issues affecting third-gender individuals. Chairing a review meeting of the Divisional Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, Bidari instructed authorities to launch special drives for issuing ration cards, Aadhaar IDs and voter identity cards to transgender citizens. She emphasised that govt schemes must actively include the community and proposed housing be provided to them under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana . Stressing their dignity and inclusion, Bidari asked all districts to identify and resolve land disputes related to crematoriums for the transgender population and instructed that separate health facilities be created for them in govt hospitals. She also called for setting up help centres at police stations in areas where transgender individuals reside in large numbers to ensure access to grievance redressal. On broader community inclusion, the commissioner directed education authorities and district administrations to promote awareness of the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act among youth. She suggested colleges conduct focused campaigns to instill legal literacy and societal responsibility in students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The meeting also addressed SC/ST Atrocities Act implementation, with Bidari directing timely investigation and disposal of pending cases. So far, 7,079 out of 8,610 cases registered under the Act in the region have been resolved, with Rs68.97 crore disbursed as financial aid. Social Justice Department's regional deputy commissioner Dr Siddharth Gaikwad presented a detailed report on atrocity cases. District collector Dr Vipin Itankar, senior police officers Prashant Sakhare, Dr Abhijit Patil, Dr Ashok Bagul, assistant commissioner Sukeshini Telgote and other committee members were present.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Renting, a nightmare for trans people in Pune city
Pune: Kadambari Shaikh has a story of triumph like no other. When the trans woman and social activist moved from her family home in Sadashiv Peth to rent a flat in Hadapsar in the late 2000s, she was harassed, abused and driven out. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "I was medically transitioning at the time. Landlords asked me to dress like a man and avoid wearing a sari if I wanted a house. My neighbours would often harass me and pass crude comments," she said. Fast-forward to today — "In 2020, I bought a house in the society that had once rejected me, and am now its secretary and committee member," Shaikh said. "I had to fight every step of the way. Now I try to help others, so they don't go through what I did." Shaikh's full-circle moment of joy is a rare exception. In the city's rapidly expanding skyline of gated societies and highrises, some citizens live an uncomfortable and scared life as they are often denied something as basic as a roof over their heads. Despite the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which prohibits discrimination in housing, education and employment, and Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which provide protection against any discrimination in society, enforcement remains weak and awareness still patchy. Activists estimate that Pune has about 6,000 individuals who fall under the broad umbrella of LGBTQIA+, which includes lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans people and all other individuals who identify as a part of the queer community. For most of them, especially transgender people, the right to rent a home remains a distant dream. Many housing societies enforce unwritten codes that outrightly exclude transgender people. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As the world celebrated the month of Pride, Nikhilshwari Dhawade (20), a third-year student at a college in the city, was forced to vacate her rented flat in Pashan on June 9, a few days after moving in. The landlord's daughter told her, "I cannot allow people like you to live here." When the young trans woman refused to leave, explaining her legal right to live there, the landlord's family assaulted her and confined her in a room. "The landlord's daughter, her husband and her daughter punched me, slapped me and pulled my hair," Dhawade said. Such violence, deeply ingrained biases and the fear of being unable to be their authentic selves drive many young transpeople to the slums. "Many in the transgender community have no choice but to live in slums, where they often find greater acceptance and solidarity," Shaikh said, while admitting that she was able to buy a house only after she found her footing by training as a professional makeup artist. This not only empowered her financially but also gave her social capital. Anil Ukarande, the founder of Yutak Trust — an organisation that works for LGBTQIA+ people — pointed out that despite being a hub for IT and education, and attracting students and professionals from all over, Pune still poses significant challenges for the transgender community. "Even if they get flats on rent, many are often forced to hide their identity, go back into the closet, and live a dual life. They are forced to find a place in slums because there, at least, they find some acceptance, even if they must compromise on their living standards," Ukarande said. The situation is no better for transmen. Thirty-two-year-old Arush Kusalkar moved to a slum area near Shivajinagar after repeated discrimination during his medical and social transition phases. "As my body was developing masculine features and feminine features were still noticeable at that stage, the owner would subject me to unfair treatment. Landlords would make me pay an excessively high deposit and inflate the rent," Kusalkar said. Sportsperson Milan Labade has been living in Pune for six years. She recalled that she once had to move houses three times in a single month — from Kondhwa to Vimannagar to Hadapsar — because the landlords changed their minds soon after she moved in. Labade, whose PhD focused on the economical conditions of transgender individuals and is currently working at the Centre for Youth Development (CYDA), eventually had to seek solace in a slum. "I was uncomfortable living in slums. However, due to the difficulty of finding suitable housing, I had no choice but to live there temporarily," the trans woman said. For most trans people, the targeted harassment begins even before they find a house that they like as they first must deal with brokers. But real estate brokers in the city claim it's a mindset problem, with most owners worried that letting in a transperson would affect their standing in society. Sachin Soni, a broker from Old Sangvi, said, "At least 70% of societies or flatowners deny houses to a transgender person. I have been working in the field for 25 years and this is a harsh reality. It is all about mindset. Transgender people are also God's creation like us. They are good people." Mohit Jain, another broker who has been operating in western Pune areas for about seven to eight years, said he has never been successful in finding a rented accommodation for a trans person. "Unfortunately, most property owners only allow families, which limits my ability to help." Change can only begin if homeowners evolve and get over such regressive attitudes, another broker said. The archaic worry of "what will people think?" is the thought that rules the mind of many homeowners. "As a human being, I understand that trans people are just like us, and I'm comfortable with them," said Rekha Chitrode, who owns a flat in Pimpri Chinchwad. "However, as a property owner, it's challenging to rent to them due to societal pressure and stigma. People in the community might view it negatively, impacting the reputation of my building and deterring other potential tenants," she said, Susi P, a trans woman working in the city, said, "What is the point in humanity advancing technologically and reaching for the space, if people on Earth are still denied basic rights. Housing is not a favour; it is a fundamental human right." --------------------------- Even when transgender individuals manage to secure housing, they frequently encounter hostility and exclusion. Many landlords reject us outright to 'protect the image' of the society. It is absurdly unjust to discriminate based on appearances. Gender is visible. That's what makes us a target. It's not enough to say the law protects us if society doesn't — Manasvi Goilkar | Trans woman, social activist & founding member, Shikhandi Trust Pune: Kadambari Shaikh has a story of triumph like no other. When the trans woman and social activist moved from her family home in Sadashiv Peth to rent a flat in Hadapsar in the late 2000s, she was harassed, abused and driven out. "I was medically transitioning at the time. Landlords asked me to dress like a man and avoid wearing a sari if I wanted a house. My neighbours would often harass me and pass crude comments," she said. Fast-forward to today — "In 2020, I bought a house in the society that had once rejected me, and am now its secretary and committee member," Shaikh said. "I had to fight every step of the way. Now I try to help others, so they don't go through what I did." Shaikh's full-circle moment of joy is a rare exception. In the city's rapidly expanding skyline of gated societies and highrises, some citizens live an uncomfortable and scared life as they are often denied something as basic as a roof over their heads. Despite the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which prohibits discrimination in housing, education and employment, and Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which provide protection against any discrimination in society, enforcement remains weak and awareness still patchy. Activists estimate that Pune has about 6,000 individuals who fall under the broad umbrella of LGBTQIA+, which includes lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans people and all other individuals who identify as a part of the queer community. For most of them, especially transgender people, the right to rent a home remains a distant dream. Many housing societies enforce unwritten codes that outrightly exclude transgender people. As the world celebrated the month of Pride, Nikhilshwari Dhawade (20), a third-year student at a college in the city, was forced to vacate her rented flat in Pashan on June 9, a few days after moving in. The landlord's daughter told her, "I cannot allow people like you to live here." When the young trans woman refused to leave, explaining her legal right to live there, the landlord's family assaulted her and confined her in a room. "The landlord's daughter, her husband and her daughter punched me, slapped me and pulled my hair," Dhawade said. Such violence, deeply ingrained biases and the fear of being unable to be their authentic selves drive many young transpeople to the slums. "Many in the transgender community have no choice but to live in slums, where they often find greater acceptance and solidarity," Shaikh said, while admitting that she was able to buy a house only after she found her footing by training as a professional makeup artist. This not only empowered her financially but also gave her social capital. Anil Ukarande, the founder of Yutak Trust — an organisation that works for LGBTQIA+ people — pointed out that despite being a hub for IT and education, and attracting students and professionals from all over, Pune still poses significant challenges for the transgender community. "Even if they get flats on rent, many are often forced to hide their identity, go back into the closet, and live a dual life. They are forced to find a place in slums because there, at least, they find some acceptance, even if they must compromise on their living standards," Ukarande said. The situation is no better for transmen. Thirty-two-year-old Arush Kusalkar moved to a slum area near Shivajinagar after repeated discrimination during his medical and social transition phases. "As my body was developing masculine features and feminine features were still noticeable at that stage, the owner would subject me to unfair treatment. Landlords would make me pay an excessively high deposit and inflate the rent," Kusalkar said. Sportsperson Milan Labade has been living in Pune for six years. She recalled that she once had to move houses three times in a single month — from Kondhwa to Vimannagar to Hadapsar — because the landlords changed their minds soon after she moved in. Labade, whose PhD focused on the economical conditions of transgender individuals and is currently working at the Centre for Youth Development (CYDA), eventually had to seek solace in a slum. "I was uncomfortable living in slums. However, due to the difficulty of finding suitable housing, I had no choice but to live there temporarily," the trans woman said. For most trans people, the targeted harassment begins even before they find a house that they like as they first must deal with brokers. But real estate brokers in the city claim it's a mindset problem, with most owners worried that letting in a transperson would affect their standing in society. Sachin Soni, a broker from Old Sangvi, said, "At least 70% of societies or flatowners deny houses to a transgender person. I have been working in the field for 25 years and this is a harsh reality. It is all about mindset. Transgender people are also God's creation like us. They are good people." Mohit Jain, another broker who has been operating in western Pune areas for about seven to eight years, said he has never been successful in finding a rented accommodation for a trans person. "Unfortunately, most property owners only allow families, which limits my ability to help." Change can only begin if homeowners evolve and get over such regressive attitudes, another broker said. The archaic worry of "what will people think?" is the thought that rules the mind of many homeowners. "As a human being, I understand that trans people are just like us, and I'm comfortable with them," said Rekha Chitrode, who owns a flat in Pimpri Chinchwad. "However, as a property owner, it's challenging to rent to them due to societal pressure and stigma. People in the community might view it negatively, impacting the reputation of my building and deterring other potential tenants," she said, Susi P, a trans woman working in the city, said, "What is the point in humanity advancing technologically and reaching for the space, if people on Earth are still denied basic rights. Housing is not a favour; it is a fundamental human right." --------------------------- Even when transgender individuals manage to secure housing, they frequently encounter hostility and exclusion. Many landlords reject us outright to 'protect the image' of the society. It is absurdly unjust to discriminate based on appearances. Gender is visible. That's what makes us a target. It's not enough to say the law protects us if society doesn't — Manasvi Goilkar | Trans woman, social activist & founding member, Shikhandi Trust
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Indian Express
Pimpri Chinchwad: Police book four persons under Transgender Act for attacking transgender student, hurling abuses
Pimpri Chinchwad police have booked four persons under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act after they allegedly attacked a 20-year-old transgender student and also hurled abuses during a dispute. The complainant was allegedly dragged out of the rented house and was beaten with a steel rod by the accused, including the owner of the house. An FIR was registered on Monday at Bavdhan police station by the 20-year-old, a student residing at a rented accommodation in Sus area of Pune. The incident took place around 10 pm on Sunday, police said. 'The complainant and the accused — one of whom is the victim's landlady — have an ongoing dispute over an issue regarding the accommodation. At the time of the incident, when the complainant called the landlady on the phone, the latter allegedly threatened and hurled abuses over the phone. The four accused then came to the complainant's accommodation. The landlady allegedly hurled derogatory remarks at the complainant's trangender identity and started thrashing the complainant. Another accused then dragged the complainant out of the house by feet and then beat the complainant with steel rods,' said an officer from the Bavdhan police station. 'We have invoked the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act along with the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for assault and criminal intimidation. A probe has been launched. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act has been invoked by us for the first time,' the officer said. Police have invoked Section 18D of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act which pertains to 'harms or injures that endangers the life, safety, health or well-being, whether mental or physical, of a transgender person or tends to do acts including causing physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse and economic abuse, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to two years and with fine.' The BNS sections invoked in the case include 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 118 (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 351 (criminal intimidation), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 351 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community shouldn't be limited to just the Pride Month: Manvendra Singh Gohil
Manvendra Singh Gohil Recently, prominent LGBTQIA+ rights activist Manvendra Singh Gohil posted a video on Instagram, highlighting how the community continues to face several challenges. While we celebrate Pride Month, Manvendra shares, 'Unfortunately, the LGBTQIA+ community in India continues to face stigma, discrimination and violation of human rights. It has been more than five decades since the LGBTQ+ movement began (in 1969), but this is the sad reality. Even now, many are forced to live in the closet because they fear they would be thrown out of the house otherwise. They also face sexual harassment.' He adds, 'Celebrating the community shouldn't be limited to just Pride Month. I get invited as a speaker by a lot of corporates in June and I tell them that most of their events are just eyewash. Most corporates organise Pride Month events but once June is over, they don't seem to remember us. Unless corporates provide more job opportunities for the community and ensure that there is no discrimination at the workplace, such celebrations are pointless. ' 'There is very little awareness about our rights' Manvendra says one of the biggest challenges is that 'there is very little awareness about our rights.' He elaborates, 'There have been landmark judgments and moments in our fight for equality, like the scrapping of Section 377 (in 2018), the NALSA judgment in 2014 (it recognised a third gender and guaranteed equal rights to the transgender community), and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act that was passed in 2019. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Düsseldorf: GEERS sucht 700 Testhörer für Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung GEERS Undo But the implementation and dissemination still remain a challenge. There is a lot of misinformation among the general public because awareness about the laws or rights of the LGBTQIA+ community is limited to just law schools and law colleges. To cite an example, a lot of people believe that the scrapping of Section 377 means that same-sex marriage has been legalised in India, which isn't the case. We need to spread more awareness.' 'We will continue our fight for justice' While Manvendra is disappointed that same-sex marriages haven't been legalised in India, he says, 'We will continue our fight for justice. The Supreme Court has said that the onus is on our Parliament now and we need to reach out to people at the grassroots and raise awareness about our issues. Even the scrapping of Section 377 took about 20 years, so we should continue our fight and I am sure that we will get justice one day. Even if we don't get to see that day, our next generation will.' He adds, 'Recently, the Madras High Court ruled that LGBTQ+ individuals can form a family, which is encouraging. There have been some positive developments. For instance, same-sex couples can now open a joint bank account and have nominees. So, there is some progress, although it is slower than what we would like.' 'Pride Month events are important to create more allies' Homosexuality is deeply rooted in our heritage, as queerness and same-sex love have existed in Indian culture for centuries. The British imposed colonial laws criminalizing our identities and apart from celebrating our identity, Pride is also a reclamation-who we are and who we will be in future. Pride Month events, which include pride walks, are important because they ensure visibility and help create more allies. 'Our marriage is more successful than a lot of heterosexual couples' Manvendra got married to Duke DeAndre Richardson in 2013 in the US and recently, they co-authored a book about completing a decade of marriage and activism. Looking back at the journey, Manvendra says, 'It has been a fabulous journey. Currently, we are in the US to promote the book and we are also attending a few Pride Month events, where we are being felicitated. I believe our marriage is more successful than a lot of heterosexual couples. ' Talking about their dream project, India's first LGBTQA centre at Hanumanteshwar, he adds, 'We are adding more facilities there and the space is open to allies also.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Express Tribune
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Living in filth & fear
In Pakistan, the transgender community has long struggled for recognition, protection and fundamental human rights, including the right to identification, education, employment, and housing. However, till date, non-binary people remain deprived of dignified living. All across the country, the transgender community is often viewed with an eye of suspicion. While some associate them with immoral or obscene activities others accuse them of indulging in sex work. Thanks to such prejudices, transgender persons seeking access to safe housing are either openly denied by landlords or are given living spaces under extremely strict conditions, including exorbitant rents. Although the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018 claims to grant equal rights to transgender people, the reality on the ground is quite the opposite. With a poor implementation of laws, police indifference and difficulties in accessing the justice system deprive transgender people of their legal rights especially in cases where they are evicted or harassed by tenants and neighbours. The majority have no effective means of legal redress. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) the transgender community in Pakistan faces widespread discrimination and stigma in accessing housing, health, education, employment, and even bathroom facilities. This is largely attributed to a lack of recognition of their gender identity. Culture of exclusion Even today, the transgender community continues to be the butt of jokes in comedy shows, stage performances and even colloquial humour. While outwardly appearing harmless, such demeaning attitudes inform ideas which not only seek to objectify and otherize non-binary people but also serve to covertly justify their mistreatment. Such mistreatment is one major reason why many transgender persons struggle to access safe and affordable housing across the country. Take the case of Khushboo, a transwoman from Lahore, who had hoped to find a place of her own. 'I was able to get a flat on rent in Model Town. After presenting multiple references and agreeing to pay double the rent, my partner and I moved to our new home. However, our peaceful days did not last long since the neighbours made our life miserable. They used to forbid their children, especially girls, from talking to us while hurling inappropriate words. Eventually, I had to leave the flat and move in with my guru again,' shared Khushboo. Similarly, Aleena Ahmed, a transwoman from Karachi, revealed that since childhood she had been subjected to persistent bullying and ridicule, which forced her to leave her home and start living in a communal arrangement with other transgender people. 'When we want to rent a flat, landlords in decent residential areas are often reluctant since they fear damage to their reputation. Even if a landlord agrees to rent out a flat, neighbours often start spreading negative rumours about us. As a result, many transgender people are forced to live in slums,' lamented Aleena, who further revealed that she and her friends paid a monthly rent of Rs6,000 for a makeshift house in a slum. Sundri Begum, the leader of a transgender community in Karachi, stressed on the need for the government to provide decent housing arrangements for transgender people. 'Even in low-income areas like Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, the slums of Clifton, and Shireen Jinnah Colony, transgender people often face difficulties in finding individual housing hence they live together in rented houses, flats, or portions. Even when they do find a place, they are charged double the normal rent,' claimed Sundri, whose group pays Rs25,000 per month for a two-room portion. 'In some cases, landlords deliberately charge higher rents to trans persons. Even if a transgender person succeeds in settling in an area, other residents object to their presence. They are harassed, or put under moral pressure to leave the area. Sometimes, such behaviour takes the form of violence or collective social boycotts,' added Zanaya Chaudhary, a trans rights activist from Lahore. Up north in Peshawar, Mahi Gul, a transwoman confirmed the discriminatory rentals many landlords demanded from trans tenants. 'A house rented to locals for Rs10,000 is not available to trans persons for less than Rs30,000. Transgender people invest heavily in decorating their homes, including installing cupboards, woodwork, and even makeup rooms. With Rs30,000 going in rent, apart from electricity and gas bills, and other expenses, how are we supposed to survive?' questioned Gul. Manzoor, a property dealer from the inner-city of Peshawar revealed that due to the recent economic downturn, property business had declined. 'With Afghan refugees returning to their homeland, there is little business hence we now rely on commissions from transgender clients to sustain our livelihoods. It is true that we charge transgender people double the rent because local residents object to us renting homes to them. Therefore, we often rent out houses under our own CNICs, which helps us earn higher commissions,' confessed Manzoor. Similarly, a property agent operating in Liaquatabad told The Express Tribune that renting out houses or apartments to members of the transgender community was challenging primarily due to objections and complaints made from neighbours. 'In addition, transgender citizens often lack identification documents, making police verification difficult,' noted the agent. Identification, education and employment While demeaning attitudes can partly explain complications in accessing safe housing, the broader issue of the transgender community's social exclusion has its roots in the difficulties associated with obtaining legal identification documents, education and employment. During various discussions with trans persons across the country, the correspondents reported that many members of the otherized gender did not even possess their national identity cards let alone other legal documents required for renting out a house. Due to the lack of necessary documentation for tenancy agreements or electricity and gas connections, many faced difficulties in getting accommodation. Furthermore, even when some trans persons were able to obtain their CNIC's, many avoided identifying their gender as 'X' on their ID cards, mainly out of fear, family pressure and social stigma. In an extreme incident, a transwoman from Charsadda was murdered by her family after she added the 'X' gender on her CNIC. Reflecting on such hazards, a transwoman who moved from Karachi to Peshawar revealed that her parents allowed her to perform at functions and even live separately. However, when it came to mentioning 'X' as my gender on my CNIC, my family openly refused since they feared people would label me as a 'Hijra'. Therefore, I could not get my ID card. If I obtain the card, I lose my family; if I don't, the government refuses to offer me any support,' she regretted. Seconding the plight of trans persons, Mahi Gul, who resides in a rented house in Peshawar's inner-city, recalled her experience with house hunting, societal attitudes, and property owners. 'Every human seeks peace, and for that, one needs a small, private home. With that thought, I rented a house. However, 90 per cent of transgender people don't have the 'X' category CNIC reserved for the transgender community. As a result, they either have to use their guru's name or rely on a third party to rent a house,' explained Gul. Expanding on the problem, Zanaya Chaudhary felt that lack of access to good education and stable employment also prevented many trans persons from renting out decent living spaces. 'Most transgender people are unable to earn a stable income due to a lack of education, employment, and skills. Due to financial constraints, they cannot afford living in safe apartments,' said Chaudhary, who herself never faced any difficulty renting out an apartment since due to her education, her lifestyle and speech were different from most transwomen. Sania Abbasi, a transwoman working as a beautician also supported Chaudhary's point. 'The majority of trans people have trouble getting a single flat or house on rent due to their lifestyle and habits. Since I work as a beautician, I have not faced much trouble finding decent accommodation,' shared Abbasi, who has been living in a single flat in a posh area in Lahore since many years. Concurring with Abbasi, Dr Nasreen Aslam Shah, Former Professor at the University of Karachi's Department of Social Work, maintained that although the transgender community was a part of society, they often lacked jobs or skills, forcing many to beg. 'Therefore, the government should initiate housing and welfare programs to address their issues,' said Dr Shah. Between disease and death As a result of their systemic exclusion, the marginalization facing the transgender community can quickly escalate from a simple refusal of housing to an outright threat of violence, forcing many to live their lives in filth and fear. The Express Tribune spoke to various property dealers across three areas of Peshawar where the transgender community is concentrated. Areas like Dilzak Road, Gulbahar, and Yakatoot have around 20 plazas where transgender individuals live in shared rooms, paying rent between Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 for a single room. A transgender resident of one such plaza, revealed on the condition of anonymity, that the majority of living spaces occupied by the transgender community were dirty, unhygienic, and violated basic health standards. "These crowded and dark spaces contribute to the spread of serious illnesses such as Hepatitis, AIDS, and tuberculosis,' revealed the resident. According to Farzana Khan, President of the Transgender Association K-P, only six to 10 per cent of the transgender community live alone in a rented house, with the majority living in groups of six to eight in one rental home. 'Transgender individuals are not even provided assistance when it comes to registering a rental house. Landlords only agree to rent out a place if they are offered triple the regular rent. In rural areas, if a transgender person tries to rent a house, the entire village and local council (panchayat) intervenes. If they do not vacate immediately, they receive death threats. Hence, transgender people are compelled to live in rented houses or plazas within city limits,' explained Jan. While unsafe living arrangements risk turning into the hotbeds of disease, an alarming culture of targeted violence against the transgender community only adds to their marginalization. For instance, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded the highest number of transgender killings in the country over the past few years. According to the Transgender Association of K-P, 126 transgender individuals have been murdered in the province over the past five years, while more than a thousand others have been victims of gun violence. Unfortunately, none of the perpetrators have received a major punishment. K-P's Minister for Social Welfare, Qasim Ali Shah, conceded that the demands of the transgender community were valid. 'Unless transgender individuals are officially registered, it would be difficult to allocate quotas and provide funds to them in the same way as other communities,' said Shah, while speaking of K-P, where only 163 trans persons are registered. According to information obtained by The Express Tribune, during the past 13 years of PTI's government, very few of the promises made to the transgender community including provisions for a separate hospital ward and beds, an endowment fund and special desks at police stations were fulfilled. Hence, the transgender community in K-P feels alienated not only by society but also by the government and has announced a sit-in protest in front of the KP Assembly in the coming days. On the other hand, the Punjab government has started the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Program, under which citizens are being given loans of up to Rs1.5 million to build a house. This loan will have to be repaid in five to seven years. 'Any citizen of Punjab, including transgender persons, can take a loan to build their own house under this scheme,' said a spokesperson for the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency. Similarly, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Sindh, Waqar Mehdi, assured that the government was working to resolve the problems facing the transgender community.
