Individuals that identify themselves as eunuchs, cross-dressers, transsexuals, transvestites and transgenders are all under the term “third gender”, since most of Pakistan’s business and government transcripts are in English. Normally headed by a Guru, who is the oldest, the khawaja sara live in small groups generally from four to twelve members. It acts as its own village with singing, dancing, performances, marriages and birthdays in family functions and child birth. It wasn’t until December in 2009 that the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, issued national identity cards to members of the community showing their distinct gender through the National Database and Registration Authority. "It 's a major step towards giving us respect and identity in society. We are slowly getting respect in society. Now people recognize that we are also human beings,” say Almas Bobby, a khawaja sara association’s president when he was interviewed by Reuters on December 23, …show more content…
It’s unique how hijras operate in Bangladesh. Though rarely harmed for those who remain, many immigrated to India. Almost a nuisance, they make money by threatening people with curses and causing disturbances in front of shopkeeper’s stores until they are paid. It is a guru who takes fifty percent of their earnings, and in return, retirement wages, health care, and protection when arrested for