KARACHI: The transgender community has announced that it will host the second “Hijra Festival” on Nov 9 at Frere Hall.

This year’s festival theme is “Identity, Existence, and Empo­w­e­rment of Transgender Individuals”.

Speaking at a press conference here at the Karachi Press Club on Sunday, transgender activists Kami Choudhary, Dr Sarah Gill, Hina Pathani, Bebo Haider, Raja Waleed, Moazzam Banawaz, Bindiya Rana and others said that all community members, as well as civil society representatives from across the country and abroad, would be welcomed at the festival.

The activists explained the festival’s goals, describing them as simple yet significant.

“The primary aim of this festival is to provide a platform for one of the society’s most marginalised communities, giving them an annual opportunity to gather and celebrate,” they said.

The festival’s agenda also inc­l­­udes calling on the government to ensure transgender rig­hts and to protect their identities.

“There is no question that reforms in social and human rig­hts policies are essential, par­ticularly those that address the needs and demands of the trans­gender community,” they added.

The activists emphasised that their festival was not against anyone. “It will be a peaceful event, with complete adherence to laws and ethical values. Our goal is to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence in society,” they said.

The festival demands equal rights, identity recognition, and protection of the life and empowerment of transgender individuals.

They further explained the festival not only provides an occasion to celebrate but also reaffirms the community’s commitment to its ongoing struggle for rights.

“On this day, we also honour our late transgender members who worked tirelessly for the welfare and rights of the community, offering prayers for their souls.”

The festival will be a vibrant affair filled with traditional fair activities and colours, the orga­n­isers said, adding that trans­gender artists would showcase their talents, and there would also be food stalls and other att­r­actions to entertain attendees.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2024