Navigating the Social Landscape of Transgender Lives: A Case Study of Punjab

Abstract

Sexual orientation and gender are crucial aspects of an individual's social identity. Under specific conditions, biological variables may not align with the social and psychological characteristics associated with gender. Consequently, a qualitative investigation was devised to examine the social encounters of transgender individuals within Pakistan's cultural framework. A purposive and snowball sampling technique was employed to pick 22 transgender individuals aged 20-40 years from Punjab, Pakistan. An interview with a semi[1]structured format was conducted with all participants. The data underwent content analysis. As a result, various topics such as interpersonal relationships, living situations, societal expectations, rejection, responses to transgender individuals, societal pressures, issues faced by transgender individuals, discrimination, misconceptions about blessings or curses, and transgender identity were identified alongside a common theme of 'positive social responses.' In summary, within the Pakistani cultural framework, it is necessary to implement counseling services tailored explicitly for transgender individuals who encounter negative social encounters in society. Additional research is required to develop efficient interventions aimed at tackling the societal challenges faced by the transgender community.