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RESEARCH: Tim Rhodes, Milena Simic, Sladjana Baros, Lucy Platt, and Bojan Zikic Police violence and sexual risk among female and transvestite sex workers in Serbia: qualitative study BMJ 2008; 337: a811 [Abstract] [Full text]

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Transvestites in South Asia: fall from grace

Haider J Warraich   (11 September 2008)

Transvestites in South Asia: fall from grace 11 September 2008
Haider J Warraich, Final Year Medical Student Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. PO BOX 34800 Send response to journal: Re: Transvestites in South Asia: fall from grace	Hijras(transvestites) in South Asia identify themselves as female though most are born biologically as males, maintaining social status as a ‘third sex’. Hijra identity is unique to the Subcontinent and has no Western equivalent. Hijras once enjoyed an exalted status as devotees of the Mother Goddess Bahuchara Mata[1]. They were patrons of fertility, counselors to kings and bodyguards to queens. Nowadays, in a society where they seem to have no place, most find employment only as prostitutes. In Pakistan, an Islamic country where homosexuality is strictly forbidden, Hijras are recognized as one of the major vulnerable groups with regards to HIV/AIDS[2]. In one of study conducted on this marginalized group, 80% admitted they had never used a condom; 79% of Hijras had heard of AIDS, but beyond that, 42% did not know how it was transmitted[3]. This shocking lack of knowledge, lack of protection, coupled with their promiscuous behavior puts a serious risk on these destitute transvestites on top of their status as social outcasts. They are frequently beaten up by police for even carrying condoms –something that is a crime in Pakistan[4]. Such is their sense of shame and humiliation that some Hijras interviewed said they did not wear condoms because HIV was divine punishment for their immoral activities[4]. Discrimination against those who trespass gender boundaries occur around the world. However, when state and religion refuse to support them, such groups are driven underground and further away from public health interventions. Better health for transvestites must start with accepting them as part of mainstream society. For violence to end, neglect must go first. 1. Bakshi S. A comparative analysis of hijras and drag queens: the subversive possibilities and limits of parading effeminacy and negotiating masculinity. J Homosex. 2004;46(3-4):211-23. 2. Rai MA, Warraich HJ, Ali SH, Nerurkar VR. HIV/AIDS in Pakistan: the battle begins. Retrovirology. 2007;4:22. 3. Baqi S, Shah SA, Baig MA, Mujeeb SA, Memon A. Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, and syphilis and associated risk behaviours in male transvestites (Hijras) in Karachi, Pakistan. Int J STD AIDS. 1999 May;10(5):300-4. 4. Rajabali A, Khan S, Warraich HJ, Khanani MR, Ali SH. HIV and homosexuality in Pakistan. Lancet Infect Dis. 2008 Aug;8(8):511-5. Competing interests: None declared