Silver / 2023 / Press / Feature Story

Hijras- Pakistans hidden gems

  • Prize
    Silver in Press/Feature Story
  • Photographer
    Shazia Khan, Denmark
  • Studio
    shaz production
  • Website
  • Instagram

In Pakistan there is a tradition of 'Hijra', pronounced hijara, which are men in a different gender role. They feel feminine and dress in women's clothes, but are physically born as men. They have had a special status in society since ancient times. During the long reign of the Mughals, from the 16th century until the mid-19th century, hijras often held prominent positions at court and in society. When the colonizing English came to power, they could not find a category to place the hijra community in. Colonial rule was largely based on being able to divide the population into categories.

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