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
