Final Project RM 2

Running head: TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN
PAKISTAN 1
RESEARCH REPORT
SUBMITTED BY:
SAMAN AROOJ (FA18-BPY-062)
NEHA SULTANA (FA18-BPY-048)
FAIZAN AHMED (FA16-BPY-035)
SUBMITTED TO:
Maam Mashiat Zahra
DATED:
29, November, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………………… I
LIST OF TABLES…………………………………………………………………. XIV

TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN PAKISTAN 2
CHAPTERS…………………………………………………………………………
I ABSTRACT……………………………………………….. 4
II INTRODUCTION………………………………………….. 5
Transgender People in Pakistan: People’s perception……… 5
Research Objective…………………………………………. 5
Research Problem Statement……………………………….. 6
Research Hypothesis………………………………………... 6
Research Questions…………………………………………. 6
Significance…………………………………………………. 7
III LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………... 8
IV METHODOLGY…………………………………………… 15
V DATA PRESENTATION………………………………….. 17
VI DATA ANALYSIS………………………………………… 20
Quantitative Analysis………………………………………. 20
Qualitative Analysis………………………………………... 27
Discussion………………………………………………...... 31
VII CONCLUSION……………………………………………... 24
Limitations…………………………………………………... 33
Recommendations…………………………………………… 34
APPENDIX ……………………………………………………………… 35
REFERENCES ……………………………………………………………… 39
Transgender People in Pakistan: People’s Perceptions
Abstract
The following research is on the topic of university student’s perception of transgender people in
Pakistan. Keeping in mind the fact that, in most states and cities, many transgender people are
the targets of discrimination in nearly every aspect of their lives, the objectives of this research
are to spread awareness about transgender people and clear any misconceptions people may have
regarding them so they can be given the same status as a normal individual in society. It also
aims to understand the reasons behind the errors in perception about transgender people and then
work towards spreading knowledge and acceptance towards them. The researchers conducted a
mixed method research (using both quantitative and qualitative methods) where the sample of
university students was obtained through convenience sampling. For the quantitative part of the
study, we used data from 120 out of the 150 questionnaires distributed, which was compiled and
analyzed with SPSS. As for the qualitative part of the study, structured personal interviews were
conducted on six university students which were recorded, transcribed, compiled and then
analyzed thematically. Results were conflicting for both analyses and weightage was given to
qualitative analysis owing to the short comings of the quantitative method. It was concluded that
majority of the university students are unaware of the general conditions of the transgender
people residing in Pakistan. This is due to ignorance chiefly as the hypothesis stated thereby
approving the initial assumption but also due to religious confusion regarding their rights. Due to
time constraints age and gender were not utilized for a more detailed comparative analysis into
the topic so it is recommended that further research involve such variables.

Introduction
The word "Transgender" is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender
expression or behavior does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they
were assigned at birth. Gender identity refers to a person’s internal sense of being male, female
or something else; gender expression refers to the way a person communicates gender identity to
others through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, and voice or body characteristics. “Trans” is
sometimes used as shorthand for “transgender.” While transgender is generally a good term to
use, not everyone whose appearance or behavior is gender-nonconforming will identify as a
transgender person.
It is commonly held that while discrimination is pervasive for the majority of transgender
people, the intersection of anti-transgender bias and persistent, structural racism is especially
severe. People of color in general fare worse than White transgender people, with African
American transgender individuals faring far worse than all other transgender populations
examined.
Many transgender people are the targets of hate crimes. They are also the victims of
subtle discrimination—which includes everything from glances and glares of disapproval or
discomfort to invasive questions about their body parts. And even though, the recent few years
did bring slight positive changes in the negativity of their attitudes, there is yet to be an actual
breakthrough towards the general outlook towards them.
Research Objectives:
The objectives of this research are to spread awareness about transgender people and
clear any misconceptions people may have regarding transgender people so they can be given the
same status as a normal individual would be given in our society, as well as to contribute towards
putting an end to discrimination against transgender people.
Research Problem Statement:
Anti-discrimination laws in Pakistan do not protect transgender people from
discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression. Consequently, transgender people
in most cities and states face discrimination in nearly every aspect of their lives.
In this study, we want to find out about the amount of Knowledge University students
have about transgender people and how it leads to the general attitude towards them. In order to
study this, we will conduct a mixed method research in which we will use a sample of about 120
university students for the quantitative survey and 5-10 people for the qualitative interviews.
Research Hypothesis:
The following research hypothesis was adapted for the quantitative study. “The majority
of the university student population in Pakistan is unaware about transgender people and their
rights and conditions”
Research Questions:
• What is the perception of university students about transgender people?
• Are people aware of whom transgender people are?
• Are people aware of the fact that transgender people are discriminated against?
• Are people aware of the rights of transgender people and the fact that those rights are
being violated?
Significance:
This study will try to find out more about what the demographic of interest thinks about
the conventionally uncommon variations of sexuality and gender and how these perceptions lead
to the unfair treatment of those with a gender profile outside of the norms of the society. It also
aims to understand as to what are the reasons behind the errors in perception are and then work
towards spreading knowledge and acceptance towards transgender people.

Literature Review
Transgender is an umbrella term that encompasses people with diverse gender identities,
expressions and behavior, which do not conform to that typically associated with the sex to
which they were assigned at birth. Some transgender people identify as trans-male or female and
some identify as genderqueer, non-binary and the third gender. Transgender people in most cities
and states face discrimination in nearly every aspect of their lives due to their gender identities
and expression. (APA, 2011).
Transgenderism has been subject to much debate globally for many decades. However
only recently has it been studied scientifically and researched upon, subsequently not much
literature is available on the topic, especially in the context of Pakistan.
In this literature review, an overview of the recent studies has been provided along with
miscellaneous articles referencing the general conditions of the transgender people residing in
Pakistan.
In a global context, specifically in the U.S, a large body of research has been done on the
topic. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), 15 percent of
transgender people are living in severe poverty. As anyone who has experienced poverty or
unemployment understands being unable to afford basic necessities can result in homelessness
and lead people to engage in underground economics like drug sales or survival sex work. At
least 13 percent of transgender women were murdered in 2014, and 2015 had seen even higher
numbers. These women were stabbed, shot, strangled, and burned. The NTDS found that 22
percent of transgender people who had interacted with the police, experienced bias-based
harassment from police, with transgender people of color reporting much higher rates.
Six percent physical assaults, two percent reported sexual assault by police and 20
percent reported having been denied equal services by law enforcement. Nearly half of the
transgender people surveyed in the study said, that they were uncomfortable turning to the police
for help. Basically, transgender people have few options for protecting themselves from
violence or seeking justice. Another aspect explored in the report was basic health care. The
healthcare system is not meeting the needs of the transgender community. According to the
NTDS, almost 20 percent of respondents had been refused medical care outright because of bias.
The widespread lack of accurate identity documents among transgender people can also have an
impact on every area of their lives, including access to emergency housing or other public
services. It is clear that without identification, one cannot travel, register for school or access
many services that are essential to function in society. According to NTDS, among those
respondents who have already transitioned, 33 percent had not been able to update any of their
identity documents to match their affirmed gender.
The above study thus brings to light what is both patently obvious and far too often
dismissed from the human rights agenda. Transgender and gender non-conforming people face
injustice at every turn, and while many of the societies including the Third World find this
common in today's era, it is still appalling to find this sort of data and information from countries
in the First World where diversity is being embraced in many contexts. A diverse set of people,
from all 50 states of the US, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin
Islands, completed online or paper surveys to contribute to this piece of writing, thus providing
detailed critical data points, that shed light on the same issues these communities face no matter
what the geographical position is.

These, amongst many others, included loss of job due to bias, eviction due to bias, school
bullying/harassment so bad the respondent had to drop out, teacher bullying, physical assault due
to bias, sexual assault due to bias, homelessness because of gender identity/expression, loss of
relationship with partner or children due to gender identity/expression, denial of medical service
due to bias, incarceration due to gender identity/expression.
Hence, presenting a clear cut image of what is being stood up against. These are the same
problems being faced by transgender people in Pakistan as well.
The most comprehensive study undertaken on the topic was conducted in 2011 by an
organization named Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI), which funded a program called
AAWAZ. Together, they conducted a research which covers two provinces of Pakistan, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. It aimed to provide an insight into the socio-economic and political
existence of a transgendered body manifesting an 'endangered' gendered identity in a country
facing numerous issues of religious extremism. The people of Pakistan are not accepting of
religious and cultural diversity due to which transgender people face several obstacles and
dangers. Some of the research questions in this study are directly linked to the Theory of Change,
a theoretical framework for assessing behavioral change in a society through the individual,
social and legal/political spheres of change. It provides us with personal stories of transgender
people themselves and the sort of struggles they have to go through every single day just so they
can be who they want to be without society ridiculing them for it. This study also talks about the
Two-sex model and how in 2009, the Supreme Court of Pakistan recognized the existence of a
Third sex.
The types of problems transgender people had to face, such as social and state exclusion,
political exclusion, economic debility etc. has also been studied. In conclusion, this brought to
light the fact that the awareness about transgender rights has somewhat improved at the
grassroots level in Punjab, however it has yet to make inroads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Transgender people from Rawalpindi and Lahore were relatively more politically aware than
those living in Swabi, where they were not even aware of how to apply for the NIC.
And as the citizens of the country and part of the society, Transgender people’s rights
should be met as a minority. An article by the ‘newstv’ notes that about two percent population
of Pakistan is affected by transgenderism, where approximately one out of 50 children is
identified with a transgender tendency/ potential. This particular article focuses on how
transgender people face rejection from society and as they are not treated as equal; they live in
secluded communities with their own kind, often in extreme poverty. Most are uneducated as the
notion of a transgender child being brought up in a normal household and studying in a
mainstream school is not an acceptable reality. There is no government aid or support system to
help these individuals live a normal life, and they often face harassment by the government and
administration.
Even though it is noted that they have indeed been given rights on paper (e.g. The
category of ‘third gender’ in the national identity card form, equality in all aspects including
rights in inheritance after the death of parents, job opportunities and hiring of individuals etc. but
these are not realized in real life. The author hopes that this will bring a true change in the
mindsets of people as well, as that is what is needed the most. (Akhtar, 2015)
As mentioned above, transgenderism and gender diversity in Pakistan is considered quite
taboo and another article confronts this reality by citing that how in 2007, Pakistan was forced to
confront the plight of transgender men in the case of Shumail Raj and Shahzina Tariq. Shumail, a
transgender man, and his wife had sought protection from the courts from family violence, but
were then charged with perjury for "lying" about his gender identity. The case dissolved into a
media controversy and as soon as they were able, the pair disappeared into obscurity with the
help of local and international NGOs.
Another article by the news outlet ‘the Tribune’, raises questions to a much serious note,
as the writer explores and dwells upon the difficulties faced by the transgender community in
great detail. Interviews from transgender men and women have been quoted in this particular
piece of writing, giving an inside viewpoint through the eyes of the victims themselves. The
issue of unemployment and underemployment has been touched upon and how these people
suffer in their personal and professional lives due to discrimination. And while they are entitled
to rights like the rest of the nation, they are yet to be implemented properly by the local
authorities. The writer, furthermore, succeeds to draw attention to the fact, while quoting it from
an interviewee's perspective, that "your clothes and your gender orientation don’t make you
forget or lose your skills and abilities", duly stressing upon the right to be presented with job
opportunities, regardless of who one refers or views himself as. She also stresses on how these
people should not be isolated from the society, as it’s usually done, and should be allowed to
play an active role like the rest of the people do.
This type of social isolation experienced by transgender people has again been explored
in a qualitative research focused on the transgender communities residing in the cities of

Islamabad and Rawalpindi that aimed at finding whether "social exclusion leads to the
transgender people opting for commercial sex work" (Basaharat, 2012).
The study first tried to explore the reasons of ostracism, and then proceeded to list them,
whilst making comparisons to previous studies that were conducted in other countries such as
Bangladesh, allowing an in-depth analysis of how the transgender community is affected as a
whole, regardless of any demographic, geographic and religious barriers. Following this, the
study discussed as to how these reasons combine to lead to the promotion of prostitution, while
taking in account the interviews taken from various affected individuals. The study also touches
the different types of terms that are included in the umbrella term "Transgender", and presents
the difference between the two main schools residing within, i.e. khusras and Zananas,
highlighting information that most do not know about.
However, this research had a limited number of participants, and although generalization
has been made, a broader perspective could have been better in understanding the phenomena.
No matter how similar the experiences are, the exceptions cannot be excluded and a more
detailed and in-depth research is needed to help gain an insight into the real world of the isolated.
Another study overcomes the limitations of the previous study to focus on the social
adjustment of transgender people conducted in the district of Chiniot, Punjab (Pakistan).It starts
off by explaining just how hard life for a transgender can be and about how they are deprived of
health and Psychological/psychotherapeutic assistance. Other than that, they are discriminated
against and deprived of their rights. A great number of them are turning to prostitution due to
their poor economic conditions which goes against the hijra ideal of asceticism. However,
according to this study, in some cultures they are considered as neither men nor women and not
necessarily a deviant either as they occupy respectable social status. While in some cultures
people believe that they are blessed with some divine power and thus are respected and praised.
The objectives of this study include, elaborating their psychological, physical, and social
differences in order to spread awareness, to shed light on the educational problems of
transgender people, to describe the religious point of view about a third gender, Political
problems faced by transgender people and the individual point of view of transgender people.
The method used to conduct this research was mixed. 120 transgender people were selected
through simple random method technique. The results which indicate that the majority of the
transgender people were aware of their religious and civil rights, however they were in
agreement on the fact that these rights were not being provided. A vast majority wanted to be
provided special education and allowed the same opportunities as the rest of the population.
(Tanveer, 2014)
Conclusively, it can be seen that the world, regardless of its eras of development and
advancement, has failed to remove the seeds of taboos that had been inculcated into the minds of
our ancestors from the times when myth and rumors had more power over them than reality. And
while many of the societies marvel on how much they have improved, studies like these
discussed above highlight the dark shadows they run from and try to hide behind the posh
exterior of their 21st century ‘mindsets’. Thus, to make amends to those that have been wronged,
it is extremely important to create a ripple in the thinking of the society that would force the ones
living in it to realize about the significance of those they isolate and discriminate against.
Methodology
The methodology employed for the purpose of this research is described henceforth. The
research was structured on a mixed method approach utilizing both quantitative and qualitative
analytical techniques for the purpose of thorough findings on the topic.
The quantitative analysis was conducted via the survey method, distributing
questionnaires to the sample population. For this purpose, a sample of 120 University students
was selected since that was the target audience of the quantitative part of the study. The
distribution and subsequent data collection was done with convenience sampling, this was
employed due to its efficiency in data collection time conservation and keeping the resource
restrictions forefront. The data collection tool, as mentioned previously, was a questionnaire
designed with nominal variables. The participants in the quantitative study were asked for only
their age and gender in order to do a comparative study. The questionnaire was distributed to 150
university students and from the survey items 121 questionnaires were properly filled and
seriously taken. Hence a sample of 120 was concluded and analyzed via SPSS applying
frequency distribution, calculating the mean, median, mode, variance and the like.
The qualitative portion of the study was undertaken with a smaller sample since the data
collection tool used was personal interviews. The sample size was six and the sampling
technique was convenience as well. The interviewees were given adequate details regarding the
topic and interview and were also given a standard consent form which they duly filled out
without any pressure choosing to protect their anonymity and rights as they preferred. The
interviews were recorded and then transcribed later on. A thorough thematic analysis was
conducted after compilation of the interview transcripts. First of all the common themes were
identified among all the interview questions and data collected. Then from among these the
themes were divided into the major and minor themes. The qualitative analysis followed this
procedure.
In all of this process, research ethics were kept under consideration. In the surveys,
anonymity and confidentiality were maintained and in the interviews a thorough briefing and
debriefing accompanied the consent form. In each case the participation was voluntary and not
enforced by any means.

Data Presentation
The following section represents the data in a graphical format that was collected in the surveys.
This data was the utilized for the analysis section to understand and explain the concerned topic.
Each of the pie charts given below refers to the questions in the surveys and their respective
response ratios.
DATA ANALYSIS
Quantitative Analysis
This part of the study was taken from 120 subjects and their results have been quantified using
tables to assess how many were closer to the right answers than the rest. This was done by
comparing the data with a key made by the consensus of the researchers which contained the
correct answers. The tables for each question have been discussed below.
Table: 1.1: Transgender people are those whose gender identity
differs from their biological sex.
Valid Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Valid Yes 95 79.2 79.2 79.2
no 25 20.8 20.8 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
95 people chose yes, while 25 of the participants chose no, showing that 79% of them had the
basic idea of who transgender people are.
Table: 1.2: Is transgenderism a recent phenomenon?
Valid Cumulative
Valid yes 23 19.2 19.2 19.2
no 97 80.8 80.8 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0

23 people chose yes, while 97 of them chose no, showing that 80% of the participants were
aware of the fact that this phenomenon has been present in this society for ages.
Table: 1.3: Is transgenderism a biological disorder?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 66 55.0 55.0 55.0
No 54 45.0 45.0 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
66 of them answered yes, while 54 of the participants answered no, showing that 55% of the
people attached the reason for the anomaly to a disorder with a biological basis.
Table: 1.4: Is transgenderism a psychological disorder?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 40 33.3 33.3 33.3
No 80 66.7 66.7 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0

40 people chose yes, while 80 chose no, showing that 66.7% of the participants were aware of
the fact that transgenderism is not a psychological disorder.
Table:1.5: Is gender identity the same thing as biological sex?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 52 43.3 43.3 43.3
No 68 56.7 56.7 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
52 of the participants chose yes, while 68 chose no, showing that 56% of the people were aware
of the difference and were taking the questionnaire seriously.
Table:1.6: Is gender fixed as male and female?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 52 43.3 43.3 43.3
No 68 56.7 56.7 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
52 people answered yes, while 68 answered no, showing that 56.7% were aware of the presence
of genders other than the assigned two.

Table:1.7: Are transgender people given equal rights in Islam?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 93 77.5 77.5 77.5
No 27 22.5 22.5 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
93 of the participants chose yes, while 27 of them chose no, showing that 77.5% of the people
considered the transgender community as people with rights from a religious perspective.
Table:1.8: Are their transgender people in Pakistan?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 112 93.3 93.3 93.3
No 8 6.7 6.7 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
112 people answered yes, while 8 answered no, showing that the majority were aware of the
existence of Transgender people in Pakistan.

Table:1.9: Are transgender people given equal rights by law in
Pakistan?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 50 41.7 41.7 41.7
No 70 58.3 58.3 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
50 of the participants chose yes, while 70 of them chose no, showing that 58.3% were not aware
of the laws that were passed in a ruling in 2012 in the favor of the transgender community, which
gave these people the same rights as the rest of the citizens in Pakistan.
Table:1.10: Are transgender people discriminated against?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 97 80.8 80.8 80.8
No 23 19.2 19.2 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
97 people chose yes, while 23 chose no, showing that 80% of the participants were observant of
the fact that despite being in the 21st century, these people are still being sanctioned by the larger
society.
Table:1.11: Are transgender people given equal job
opportunities as the rest of the population?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 15 12.5 12.5 12.5
No 105 87.5 87.5 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
15 answered yes, while 105 of the participants answered no, showing that the majority of the
subjects were aware of the failure of the implementation of laws, according to which every
citizen of Pakistan is entitled to job opportunities.
Table:1.12: Are the rights of the transgender people violated?
Valid Cumulative
Valid Yes 108 90.0 90.0 90.0
No 12 10.0 10.0 100.0
Total 120 100.0 100.0
108 people chose yes, while 12 chose no, showing that 90% of the participants knew of the
injustice being done by the society towards the particular group, and accepted the fact that all
this goes against the rights of not only the Transgender community, but also basic human rights.
Table: 2
Transg Are
ender trans-
people gender
are people
those Are given
whose Is trans- equal
gender gender Are gender Are job
identit- Is Is Is identit- Is transg Are people transg- oppor- Are the
y transg- transg- transg- y the gender ender their given ender tunitie- rights
differs ender- enderi- ender- same fixed people transg- equal people s as of the
from ism a sm a ism a thing as given ender rights discr- the trans-
their recent biologi psycho as male equal people by law iminat- rest of gender
biologi phenol -cal logical biologi and rights in in ed the people
-cal lmena disord- disord- -cal female in Pakist- Pakis- again- popul- violate
sex. ? er? er? sex? ? Islam? an? tan? st? ation? -d?
N Val 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120
-id
Mean 1.21 1.81 1.45 1.67 1.57 1.57 1.23 1.07 1.58 1.19 1.88 1.10
Median 1.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 1.00
Mode 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 1
Std. .408 .395 .500 .473 .498 .498 .419 .250 .495 .395 .332 .301
Deviati
-on
Varianc .166 .156 .250 .224 .248 .248 .176 .063 .245 .156 .110 .091
-e
Range 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
The above table summarizes the research findings, showing questions asked in the survey,
alongside the average answers given (mean), the most repeated answers chosen (mode), the
deviation of the answers from the mean values (standard deviation),and how widely individual
answers in the poll varied (variance).
Taking the first question’s data, it indicates that the Mean value is 1.21, while the Mode is 1,
concluding that the average answers were ‘yes’. Furthermore, the 0.48 standard deviation helps
to find out which answers are within one standard deviation of the mean, or in other words, it
helps us to understand which answers are closer to the correct ones and which are not.
Thus, after the assessment of the gathered data, it was found that out of the 12 questions asked in
the questionnaire, 9 were answered correctly, while the rest were not, concluding that amongst
the people who participated in the research, majority of them were aware of the existence of the
Transgender community, and the way they are being treated. However, there were some who
were confused about how these people define themselves and why, but it was still evident that
they were not ignorant about the social happenings and taboos of the country.
Qualitative analysis
Interviewees’ answers were analyzed based on our operational definition of transgender people.
The following themes are the most common general ones found in the answers of most of the
interviewees.
Major Themes
1. Ignorance:
The interviews revealed that all of the participants were ignorant on the topic of
transgenderism in general, with lack of knowledge varying between them on different
aspects of the topic. The first question is a clear example of this. All of the interviewees
except one had the wrong idea about transgenderism, with answers varying from
confusion about sexuality and mixing of genders, to biological and psychological
classifications of transgender people. When talking about whether they had met a
transgender person or not, two interviewees weren’t sure because they were confused
about who qualifies as a transgender person. In question no. 5 one of the interviewees
stated that she believed that transgender people have not been given the right to have an
ID card even though they actually have. In general, interviewees did have opinions to
give on different aspects of the topic some of which were correct but they were mostly
ignorant when it came to knowledge about who transgender people are.
2. Acceptance and treatment:
On the whole, all of the interviewees believed transgender people to not be accepted by
society, to be neglected and treated bad in general, as is evident from the answers to
questions three, and six where the interviewees clearly stated that transgender people are
not accepted by society. The interviewees also stated in question seven that transgender
people face multiple problems such as ill treatment, no provision of equal rights and
opportunities (all interviewees believed this, as stated in the answers to question five),
little to none access to education. It was also stated by multiple interviewees that they are
also not accepted by Islam. The reasons for this discrimination and unacceptance have
generally been blamed by some interviewers on transgender people being different from
most people. It must be noted that even though 3 of the interviewees first learned of
transgender people in a neutral way, they still hold that they are discriminated against.
3. Religion:
A prominent cause of the discrimination transgender people face has been attributed to
religious reasons. In question six, as a response to why transgender people aren’t
provided with equal opportunities, alienation by religious factors was blamed by three
people, with one of them stating that it was due to confusing culture (which is
discriminatory) with religion that fed in to this. In question 10, one of the interviewees
believed the clash of religious discrimination of transgender people to be the obstacle in
the way of implementation of laws in their favor. In question 12, religious reasons were
again mentioned by an interviewee and how there is “nothing prohibiting us from
discriminating against them in Islam”. It must be noted that none of the interviewees
provided any references to religious texts in order to justify their opinions here so their
level of knowledge on religion, particularly Islam was not verified.
4. Education/awareness:
Most interviewees believed awareness and education about transgender people to be one
of the answers to problems faced by transgender people as is evident in the answers to
question eight. In the response to question 11, most (four out of six) of the interviewees
believed, to varying extents that education would lead to transgender people being looked
upon more positively. In both questions, one of the interviewees maintained that it isn’t
education in general but education on morality, ethics and equal treatment that would
help. In response to the last question, four of the interviewees agreed that people ignorant
about transgender people would be more inclined to discriminate against them.
Ignorance, being a lack of education on the topic, further suggests that the interviewees
do consider education and awareness important in dealing with the problems faced by
transgender people.
Minor Themes
1. Gender and sexuality confusion:
It was mentioned twice in question one that transgender people are confused about their
sexuality. One interviewee in question four also stated that transgender people are not
sure about who they are (male or female).
2. Government’s role:
The government’s role in helping to deal with the problems and discrimination faced by
transgender people was mentioned in the answers to two questions as well. In question
eight, four of the interviewees mentioned how the government had a role to play here,
that they should ensure equal rights and opportunities for transgender people and pass a
proper bill for their protection and safeguarding of laws concerning them. In question 10
one of the interviewees stated that the government already has a problem with enforcing
general laws in Pakistan for more pressing issues, which needs to be dealt with first
before any laws for transgender people can be implemented.
3. Being different:
It was mentioned multiple times how transgender people were discriminated against
because they are seen as different from the norm. This is stated in the answers to question
four, where two of the interviewees stated how transgender people are seen as being
different from the rest which is why they are discriminated against. A third response to
the same question also suggests that they are given no place in society because they are
different. This comes up again in the answer of one interviewee to question six where the
interviewee believes that transgender people aren’t provided with equal opportunities
because they are seen as different from the rest.

On the whole, qualitative analysis suggests that most of the interviewees were ignorant about
who transgender people are, with answers varying from incorrect definitions to admitting lack of
knowledge, although all of them knew that they are discriminated against and not fully accepted
by society, with different interviewees showing varying degrees of knowledge on specific
problems faced by transgender people. Most of the interviewees also attributed lack of awareness
and ignorance as well as religious reasons as the main causes of discrimination against
transgender people. In general, the interviewees were not very sure about or accurate with their
answers.
Discussion
As is evident from the results given above, the quantitative and qualitative analysis both
revealed contradictory suggestions. According to the quantitative analysis of the survey, nine out
of twelve questions were provided with the correct answers statistically as compared to three that
were answered incorrectly by the statistical majority. This demonstrates that more people were
aware of the transgender people in Pakistan and their conditions. However, the results of the
qualitative data, the overwhelming majority of the participants showed that people were
confused about transgender people and their conditions and their rights.
This paradoxical assessment reveals the short comings of the quantitative method. In the
in-depth interviews it was evident that the participants were more involved in the process and
therefore took the assigned task and topic seriously. Whereas in the surveys, the participants
chosen for the sample population were clearly not as invested in the process. The differences in
the results can be explained if one takes into account the above mentioned fact which
subsequently gives rise to the fact that the quantitative samples were compromised and the
qualitative analysis results merit more significance as far as the reliability of the data collection
tool is concerned, hence the conclusion’s reliance on it.

Conclusion
After a detailed analysis, it can be seen that there are contrastive results generated from
both the qualitative and the quantitative analysis. The quantitative data rejects the hypothesis
produced at the beginning of this research, and shows that the participants were aware of the
transgender people and their conditions. Whereas the qualitative data draws a completely
different result, according to which the people interviewed were unaware of the general
information regarding the particular community, thus blatantly supporting the hypothesis. This
contrast has been noticed because of the fact that many of the people who took part in the
surveys were not serious about it and simply answered what they could in the small amount of
time provided to them. However, this was not the case in the qualitative method of data
collection as the participants were given ample time to think about their answers and ponder over
their ideas before answering. Thus affecting the reliability of the data collected from the
aforementioned method. Conclusively, the results drawn from the qualitative method has more
weightage than the other, therefore, proving that the hypothesis was correct and university
students in general have little knowledge about the topic at hand.
Limitations
 The questionnaire used in the survey did not undergo a proper pre-test and it lacked a five
point Likert scale which would have obtained better results.
 The sample size of the survey was too small to generalize over all university students of
Pakistan as we had little time and resources to have a bigger sample.

 The sample size of the interviews conducted was too small to properly achieve a good
representation of the perceptions of students. Again, this was due to time and resources
shortage.
 The sampling technique used for both the survey and interviews was non-probability
sampling technique which we cannot use to generalize results on.
 Due to shortage of time, we did not make use of the age and gender variables in data
analysis that we obtained in the questionnaires.
Recommendations
It is recommended that any further studies should compose a properly tested
questionnaire; preferably with a five point Likert scale. They should also take a bigger sample of
both the survey and interviews so the generalizability of the research findings is better. For the
same reason, probability sampling technique should be used. Lastly, they should make use of the
age and gender variables for a more detailed age and gender comparative analysis, leading to a
more solid and perceptive understanding of the findings.

APPENDIX
Appendix A
Gender Interactive Alliance Pakistan:
Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA) is an organization working for the equality and civil rights of
transgender people in Pakistan.
Gender Interactive Alliance works for the rights of and social justice for the trans-gender
peoples community in Pakistan. Among their foremost projects is lobbying with the government
to recognize trans-gender people as equal citizens of Pakistan; providing free medical care to
trans-gender people who are routinely denied public healthcare; and enabling entrepreneurship
by providing alternative economic opportunities for trans-gender people who are, by and large,
left out of the mainstream economy. They also aim to provide a safe space for these people
online so that their stories and experiences are not erased from our collective cultural experience.
Table A1
Description of main themes of GIA
 Awareness Raising
 Capacity Building
 Training of Trans-gender People
 Primary Healthcare
 Social Mobilization
 Income Generation
 Research
 Legal Awareness & Facilitation

Appendix B
Related Questionnaire
We are conducting a research study on the knowledge level of university students regarding
transgender people. This is an anonymously filled survey.
Age: Gender:
1. Transgender people are those whose gender identity differs from their biological sex.
a. Yes
b. No
2. Is transgenderism a recent phenomenon?
a. Yes
b. No
3. Is transgenderism a biological disorder?
a. Yes
b. No.
4. Is transgenderism a psychological disorder?
a. Yes
b. No
5. Is gender identity the same thing as biological sex?

a. Yes
b. No
6. Is gender fixed as male and female?
a. Yes
b. No
7. Are transgender people given equal rights in Islam?
a. Yes
b. No
8. Are there transgender people in Pakistan?
a. Yes
b. No
9. Are transgender people given equal rights by law in Pakistan?
a. Yes
b. No
10. Are transgender people discriminated against?
a. Yes
b. No
11. Are transgender people given equal job opportunities as the rest of the population?
a. Yes
b. No.
12. Are the rights of transgender people violated?
a. Yes
b. No
Appendix C
Interview Questions:
Questions asked during the interview that was performed by the members of this report.
1. What do you know about transgender people?
2. When did you first learn about transgender people? Was it in a positive, negative or
neutral way? Explain
3. Do they exist in Pakistan? Have you ever interacted with one personally, if so, elaborate?
4. How do you think they are generally treated in Pakistan?
5. What do you think are the specific plights faced by transgender people in Pakistan?
6. Why are transgender people treated the way they are?
7. Are they provided with equal opportunities and rights?
8. Why they are not provided with those opportunities?
9. And what do you think is the answer to the problems faced by them?
10. Why are they not being helped in spite of the law being on their side?
11. Do you think if people were more educated about them, would they be looked upon more
positively?
12. Do you think people ignorant about them would be more inclined to discriminate against
them?
References
1. Abbas, Tanveer. And Mushtaq, K.Shehzad et al. “Social Adjustment of Transgender: A Study
of District Chiniot, Punjab (Pakistan)” Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies.
MCSER Publishing: Rome-Italy. (2014).
2. Jami, H. (2005) ‘Condition and Status of Hijras (Transgender, Transvestites etc.) in Pakistan
(Country Report)’, Paper presented at the 1st International Conference: Gender and
Sexualities, Bangkok, Thailand. (Accessed 10 May 2010).
3. Zafar, R. (2004, Sep 19) Hijroon Ki Pursarar Duniya: dukhon Ki chakki mein Pisnay walay
Aik Tabkay Ki Daroon-en Khana Dilchasp Kahani. Jang: Sunday Magazine. Retrieved Nov
2, 2004 from www jang.com.pk.
4. Haider, S.K. (2008) ‘Point of View of University Scholars about Male-to-Female Gender
Dysphoric in Pakistan’, Nurture 2(1): 12-6. Accessed 9 May 2010.
5. Abdullah, M, A., Basharat, Z., Kamal, B., Sattar, Y, N., Hassan, F, Z., Jan, D, A., and
Shafqat, A. Is Social Exclusion Pushing the Pakistani Hijras Towards Commercial Sex
Work?-A Qualitative Study. BMC International Health Human Rights Online Website: US
and Pakistan. (2012).
6. Jami H. Condition and status of hijras (transgender, transvestites etc.) in Pakistan.
Islamabad: Quaid-i-Azam University, National Institute of Psychology; 2005. (PhD Thesis).
7. Kimmel MS. In: Feminism and masculinities. Murphy PF, editor. New York: Oxford
University Press; 2004. Masculinity as homophobia: fear, shame and silence in the
construction of gender identity; pp. 186–189.

8. Rehan, N., Chaudry, I., and Shah K. Socio-sexual behavior of hijras of Lahore. J Pak Med
Assoc. 2009;59:380–384.
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(2007). pp. 2–7. (Literature review on social exclusion in the ESCWA region).
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Sikder,J. Living on the extreme margin: social exclusion of the transgender population
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Pakistan. (2015).
14. Harvey, Karen. The Century of Sex? Gender, Bodies, and Sexuality in the Long Eighteenth
Century. The Historical Journal Vol. 45, No. 4. (Dec 2002).
15. Tewksbury, Richard and Gagne, Patricia. No 'man's' Land: Transgenderism and the stigma of
the feminine man. In Advances in Gender Research Vol. 1, edited by Marcia Texler Segal
and Vasilikie Demos. Greenwich, Connecticut: JAI Press. (1996).
16. Tewksbury, Richard and Gagne, Patricia. Conformity Pressures and Gender Resistance
among Transgendered Individuals. Social Problems Vol, 45, No. 1. (Feb 1998).
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at Every Turn: A report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey. National Center
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for-women/#more-22257

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Running head: TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN

LIST OF TABLES…………………………………………………………………. XIV

Transgender People in Pakistan: People’s perception……… 5

Research Problem Statement……………………………….. 6

III LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………... 8

Transgender People in Pakistan: People’s Perceptions

the topic so it is recommended that further research involve such variables.

use, not everyone whose appearance or behavior is gender-nonconforming will identify as a

subtle discrimination—which includes everything from glances and glares of disapproval or

breakthrough towards the general outlook towards them.

putting an end to discrimination against transgender people.

Research Problem Statement:

Anti-discrimination laws in Pakistan do not protect transgender people from

discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression. Consequently, transgender people

rights and conditions”

• What is the perception of university students about transgender people?

• Are people aware of whom transgender people are?

towards spreading knowledge and acceptance towards transgender people.

and expression. (APA, 2011).

literature is available on the topic, especially in the context of Pakistan.

topic. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), 15 percent of

identity documents to match their affirmed gender.

what the geographical position is.

due to bias, incarceration due to gender identity/expression.

problems being faced by transgender people in Pakistan as well.

existence of a transgendered body manifesting an 'endangered' gendered identity in a country

of Pakistan is affected by transgenderism, where approximately one out of 50 children is

notion of a transgender child being brought up in a normal household and studying in a

As mentioned above, transgenderism and gender diversity in Pakistan is considered quite

help of local and international NGOs.

play an active role like the rest of the people do.

in a qualitative research focused on the transgender communities residing in the cities of

transgender people opting for commercial sex work" (Basaharat, 2012).

Bangladesh, allowing an in-depth analysis of how the transgender community is affected as a

highlighting information that most do not know about.

differences in order to spread awareness, to shed light on the educational problems of

analytical techniques for the purpose of thorough findings on the topic.

enforced by any means.

Table: 1.1: Transgender people are those whose gender identity

differs from their biological sex.

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 95 79.2 79.2 79.2

no 25 20.8 20.8 100.0

Total 120 100.0 100.0

basic idea of who transgender people are.

Table: 1.2: Is transgenderism a recent phenomenon?

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid yes 23 19.2 19.2 19.2

no 97 80.8 80.8 100.0

Total 120 100.0 100.0

Table: 1.3: Is transgenderism a biological disorder?

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 66 55.0 55.0 55.0

No 54 45.0 45.0 100.0

Total 120 100.0 100.0

Table: 1.4: Is transgenderism a psychological disorder?

Frequency Percent Percent Percent

Valid Yes 40 33.3 33.3 33.3

No 80 66.7 66.7 100.0

Total 120 100.0 100.0

the fact that transgenderism is not a psychological disorder.

Table:1.5: Is gender identity the same thing as biological sex?