APROPOS the article ‘Hoping for a new lease of life’ (June 19). It is commendable that we have begun to raise our voice against prejudice against transgender people leading to their social marginalisation and persecution.

The writer has rightly pointed out the miseries faced by this unfortunate community. It goes without saying that the woes of the transgender community are innumerable and the mental agony they face in our society is unspeakable.

Transgender people are human beings. Mocking them is tantamount to denouncing the creation of God.They deserve to be treated in a humane manner and with respect. How we treat them reflects our morality and values. We must not overlook the fact that it is their poor socialisation and limited interaction with others which deprive them of the opportunity to learn socially-accepted norms and etiquette.

It is the responsibility of society to make efforts to ensure the transgender are part and parcel of our community and enjoy equal rights as citizens.

Shakeel Ghouri
Mirpurkhas

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2018