Sindh, Pakistan held their first trans pride march, Sindh Moorat March. It was iconic, inclusive, and led by a young, trans, Shia progressive leadership. What can this mean for a country that saw more trans lives killed than any other in Asia last year?
There are thousands of registered cases of violence towards trans lives in Pakistan, including at least 91 killings since 2015. In 2018, a landmark trans rights bill was passed that meant people could choose their own identity, and many more safeguards in employment, health, education, and access to public spaces. The unprecedented bill hasn’t been fulfilled by the government though and transphobic speech is on the rise in Pakistan.
What is also true is that Gen-z are celebrating trans lives in a revolutionizing movement that integrates tradition and culture. Trans people are indigenous to the subcontinent with a history that traces back 4,000 years. Today, they’re not only reclaiming their pride–rooted further than colonialism, they’re also fighting for income redistribution, land reforms, justice, dignity, reparations, and climate justice.
Host Hussain "Jaan-e-Haseena" Zaidi
Featuring Dr. Mehrub Moiz Awan Director of Photography Mariam Khan
Producer Stephanie Tangkilisan Joy Jihyun Jeong
Associate Producer Manal Ahmed
Researcher and Writer Manal Ahmed Hussain "Jaan-e-Haseena" Zaidi
Editor Rendy Abi
Animator Fitra Pratama
Sound Mix David Alba
Graphic Design Samuel Kang Fitra Pratama Annie Zhao
Editor-in-Chief Keshia Hannam
Head of Production Stephanie Tangkilisan
Additional Archival Material Hussain "Jaan-e-Haseena" Zaidi Maryam Kiyani The Wire INCPak Getty Images Khoosat Films Dawn The NYC Walking Show VICE News Tiktok/huzzaddy Samaa English The Guardian Trans Action Pak Radio Free Europe Surkh Hina Aqsa Shams (ASM) Amar Guriro
Additional Music Door To Nowhere by Tanager Kid Serious Headlines by Immersive Music Mosaic Factories by Symphonic Collective A New Continuum by Big Score Audio
