YEARS after a series of landmark decisions by the Supreme Court declaring transgender persons as equal citizens with full constitutional rights, Farzana Jan has become the first person in her community to be issued a passport with an `X` in the gender category, denoting non-binary gender. This follows the decision earlier this year to, for the first time in Pakistan, count the transgender population in the national census. These progressive moves by the courts and government at the service of this marginalised group estimated anywhere between 80,000 and 500,000 Pakistanis deserve to be lauded, and must not be relegated to mere tokenisms through the inertia or callousness of the implementing authorities. Despite Nadra`s announcement of a transgender category for CNICs in 2012, for example, many complained of obstacles in their path to obtaining this essential signifier of identity. These included outright refusals and ad hoc requirements despite Nadra`s website stating that gender identification would be assigned simply `as per applicant`s appearance or desire`. Moreover, many are unable to prove their lineage, having been disowned by their biological families.

Abandoned, feared, ostracised or simply ignored, the community`s gains in light of such circumstances have been Herculean. Increased visibility and recognition have not come without cost, however, as reports last year suggest an uptick of violence against transgender persons. The system has failed many from Alisha, shot at and left to die in a hospital while her treatment was debated, to HIVpositive Dewani, who died of exposure in a garbage dump after being abandoned. Enabling the transgender community to exercise their rights healthcare, education, employment, inheritance and political representation requires inclusive policies, affirmative action, a compassionate review of prohibitive processes and sensitisation of public service providers, from healthcare workers to law-enforcement officers. Attitudes must shift towards upholding the rights of all, including transgender, Pakistanis.