ON Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan distributed Sehat Insaf cards to members of the transgender community in Peshawar. He regretted the discrimination faced by the community, and reassured them of his government’s protection. In previous months, the government-issued healthcare cards were extended to citizens with disabilities in Punjab and those belonging to the tribal districts in KP. By being a visible and vocal advocate at the helm of his Sehat Insaf scheme, the prime minister sends a commendably strong message to others — that the welfare of historically marginalised groups is necessary to create a more equitable and compassionate society. But our nation continues to suffer from many contradictions, including attitudes towards the trans community. For instance, in 2018, rights activists celebrated the historic passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, which gave trans people the right to self-identify on all official documentation. The act also protects them from discrimination and guarantees them the same constitutional rights as any other citizen of the state. However, in that same year, there were many horrific instances of violence committed against the community. In KP alone, some 479 attacks were recorded and, according to advocacy group TransAction, four trans women were murdered. Until more is done to prosecute such hate crimes, all other legislative or symbolic measures will lead to little change on the ground.

Additionally, the medical community will need to sensitise its staff, and formulate policies and procedures to better attend to the healthcare needs of the transgender community, who have repeatedly expressed their discomfort at visiting clinics, as they are subject to a host of insensitive questions. Even worse, they are ignored, with instances of hospital staff refusing to attend to them in emergency situations. This has led to some members of the transgender community demanding separate wards. While this is one step, it would be better to create a more equal society, which does not need to segregate itself further in order for its marginalised members to feel protected.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2020