THIS is apropos your editorial ‘Education for trans people’ (April 18). The transgender community is generally ostracised and discriminated against. There is dire need to counter the old traditions and fight for the rights of this underprivileged community. It must be realised that unless the educated class of society begins to raise its voice against the deep-rooted stereotypes about transgender people, that leads to their being socially marginalised and persecuted, nothing substantial will change for this oppressed class of society.

It is necessary to change people’s mindset towards them. It is society’s denial in recognising them as equal citizens that results in their poor status. The government should make arrangements for their education and employment so that they can use their full potential and live a life of respect and freedom.

The first step would be to educate people to accept them as equal citizens.

Shakeel Ghouri

Mirpurkhas

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2018