Third Gender Recognition: Identity And Social Interaction Issues Of Khawaja Saras In Pakistani Society

Abstract

The core purpose of this study was to bring forth the gender identity and social interaction issues of Khawaja Saras in Pakistani society. For this purpose a number of 15 khwaja saras were interviewed within their social environment to understand phenomena contextually, as spirit of qualitative nature of study. An interview guide was prepared to assist primary data collection process. The research found that khawaja saras do face gender identity and social interaction issues in Pakistani society. They perceived that society do give them lesser respect and social acceptance, therefore they feel socially isolated to a significant extent. It is recommended that society shall be made aware and motivated at large to accept khawaja saras as respectable third gender. There is a greater need of inculcating confidence and motivation among khawaja saras to live within mainstream society while making their social conditions favourable and by creating a respectable space for themselves through refined habits, improved human conduct and developed personality.