The vibrant and powerful presence of transgender people filled the Frere Hall Gardens on Saturday, as they gathered for the second annual Hijra Festival. Waving the transgender flag, which features the traditional pink and blue colors symbolizing baby girls and boys, along with a white stripe in the middle, the event served as a bold statement of identity and existence. The festival saw transgender individuals from all over Pakistan unite in celebration, demanding their rights and greater acceptance in society.
The theme of this year’s festival, “Identity, Existence and Empowerment,” resonated deeply throughout the day as transgender people proudly expressed their individuality through fashion, performance, and speeches. The festival became a space where they not only celebrated their existence but also raised their voices for the freedom to live on their own terms.
The chief organizer of the event, Kami Choudhry, stood out in a beautiful light blue and pink dress, adorned with golden gota kinari and a blue-and-white beaded choker. “See, we are back for another year to celebrate this festival. There are transgenders here from the entire country to add color to our celebration of ourselves,” Kami shared with Dawn.
Among the notable figures was Dr. Sarah Gill-Khan, Pakistan’s first transgender doctor, who wore a lime green designer block-print peshwaas. Dr. Gill-Khan, one of the key organizers of the festival, highlighted the significance of the gathering, saying, “The time when we used to cry is over. It’s now time to smile and laugh and enjoy our existence.” She also emphasized the importance of being seen and accepted as human beings before the debate over gender.
The festival also showcased a stunning array of traditional and contemporary outfits. Arzoo Khan from Peshawar wore intricate Afghani jewelry over a gorgeous black Kuchi tribal dress, while Reem Sharif from Islamabad donned a sequined black dress with a pearl nose ring. Alisha from Multan wore a black flowery dress with long silver earrings, and Hina, the festival president from Karachi, wore a black Tharri-embroidered dress, greeting guests from across the country with a painted matki full of rose petals.
Other attendees, such as transgender school teacher Miss Maheen from Sargodha and Timmy Khan from Lahore, wore outfits celebrating their identities—Maheen in a bright orange kurti, and Timmy wearing a maxi dress made from the transgender flag. Bubbly from Lahore wore a bubblegum pink shalwar kameez and shared a heartfelt message: “We are here to raise awareness about our gender. We also exist in God’s world, so please don’t turn your backs to us. Please acknowledge us. Acceptance in society begins with you. We also deserve respect.”
In a conversation about the growing movements within the transgender community, Bindiya Rana, the founding president of Gender Interactive Alliance, pointed out the significance of various initiatives, including the Sindh Moorat March later this month in Hyderabad. “As these festivals and gatherings move from city to city, so should the spreading of awareness about our rights,” she said.
The Hijra Festival was a powerful display of unity, self-expression, and activism, marking another crucial step in the fight for transgender rights and visibility in Pakistan.
