These Transgenders Can Finally Go to Church
For decades, the Christian transgender community in Pakistan was not allowed to go to Church and practice their religion. however, now that has changed.
For decades, the Christian transgender community in Pakistan was not allowed to go to Church and practice their religion. however, now that has changed.
Many Christian transgender women like Sonia grew up pretending to be Muslim like the other transgender women she lived with. “Instead of Christmas or Easter, I celebrated Eid.”
“It was safer for me,” Sonia said.
Sonia started to live like the Muslim transgenders in her community but she missed her Christian rituals. “My family used to decorate a fresh Christmas tree with lights and colourful balls. In the church, I remember being part of the carol singing group and all the children from the Sunday school were given gifts, usually candies,” she said.
After years of longing, Sonia finally got to sing carols again after becoming a member of a chapter of the first transgender church in Pakistan.
Ghazala Shafique, the female pastor and founder of Pakistan’s first church for the transgender community, opened its doors in Karachi last fall. The church aims to be a safe haven for transgender people and eunuchs.
Every Friday evening, Guriya joins about 30 members from the transgender community to pray, read the Bible and sing hymns. Guriya believes the church has enabled her to reconnect with God with a sense of community and belonging.
On Easter, they held their first sunrise service. On Good Friday, they broke their fast in a congregation for the first time.
“Many of our members got a chance to be part of this sacred ritual for the first time in their lives,” said Shafique, referring to their Easter and Good Friday service.
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