Hijras are individuals who identify themselves as having both male and female gender characteristics. They often undergo a ritual surgery that removes their reproductive organs to make them more physically feminine. Hijras have a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years and can be found across South Asia.
They face challenges when it comes to navigating their sexual identities, intimate partnerships, and social acceptance within Muslim religious structures in Pakistan.
Gender Identity
Hijras often identify as neither fully male nor fully female but somewhere in between. They may prefer to be addressed with neutral pronouns such as "they" or "ze". In some cultures, hijras may be seen as "third gender," while in others they may be considered a separate caste. Hijras typically live together in communities called "gharanas", which function like families, where members support each other emotionally and financially.
Sexual Relationships
Hijras may engage in same-sex relationships, but these relationships are often hidden due to societal stigma. Hijras usually have sex for money, and they may work as prostitutes or entertainers. Some hijras choose to marry men for love or financial security, but this is often met with disapproval from society. Hijras also participate in ceremonies called "khawaja sara" where they dress up in bridal attire and perform traditional wedding ceremonies with other hijras.
Islamic Structures
Islamic teachings condemn homosexuality, and many Pakistani Muslims view hijras as immoral.
There is some debate over whether the Quran explicitly prohibits hijra identity. Some scholars argue that hijras should not be excluded from Islam based on their sexual orientation because they do not engage in anal intercourse, which is forbidden in the Quran. Hijras often turn to Islamic scholars for guidance on how to navigate their faith and identity.
Despite facing discrimination, hijras continue to play an important role in South Asian culture and art. They contribute to the economy through their services as dancers, singers, and religious figures. Their unique perspective on gender and sexuality challenges traditional understandings of masculinity and femininity.
How do hijras in Pakistan navigate sexual identity, intimate partnerships, and social legitimacy within Islamic religious structures?
Hijras are an accepted gender minority group in India and Pakistan who identify as having both male and female gender identities. While many Islamic scholars consider them to be deviants from traditional Muslim values, they have been recognized by society for centuries. Hijras' sexual orientation is not defined by their sexual activity but rather by their belief that they were born with both male and female genitalia and cannot choose one over the other.