SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) ACT 2018

Abstract

The present study analysis and identify the social implication of the transgender persons (protection of rights) Act 2018 in Pakistan. The data were collected from Legislators, including Senators and Members of the National Assembly, Social Activists, the Transgender community, Religious scholars, and lawyers. A qualitative research design was used in this study. Eighth in-depth interviews and one Focus group discussion was conducted in the city of Islamabad. For this purpose, purposive sampling was utilized while collecting data. For theoretical underpinning, Gender order, intersectionality and Queer theories were used. This study explored that this act creates a space of acceptance and social inclusion in society for transgender persons. However, religious and rightest groups and scholars are worried and have reservations about this act. They said this act promote homosexuality unethical activities in society. This act is still controversial due to the reservation of religious bodies, including the Council of Islamic ideology and the federal Sharia court, about some sections of this act by religious side. This study highlights the social implications of this act, its loopholes, challenges, its inevitability, and its complexity for this country's law-making bodies and policymakers.