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“Title: Portrayal of A Transgender Group in The Media”

Submitted By: Rimsha Rehmat

Roll No.:6128

BS DCMT (Batch 1)

Section - 2

Session 2023-2027

Submitted To: Ms. Wafa Naz

Institute of Media Studies, GCU Lahore.

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Abstract
Pakistan is an Islamic State and Islam gives equal rights to all genders in a society. But

through media in our society, it has enlightened those transgenders in our society are poorly

treated. They are discriminated against within society. Even their families act up with them

and some families in Pakistan do not even consider them their family, they abandon them. In

some parts of Pakistan, they are also sexually harassed. Even though in 2013 a law in the

Supreme Court was passed for their protection and rights, unfortunately till now it has not

been implemented properly in many areas of Pakistan. The main purpose of media is to show

that society is not accepting them and transgender community is treated inhumanely. We

should adopt effective strategies to give them proper rights and protection in society.

Introduction
Media is a source through which we can be informed as well as entertained. It gives us

information about all the happening in our surroundings and globally. Media is an effective

tool and plays a significant role in presenting all body types, genders, and races. It also

represents the issues and highlights of a society. Media has the power to influence the

opinions and thoughts of people in a society. media can have positive as well as negative

roles in society. Media plays a positive role when it represents the truth happening in society

and with justice, it enlightens the dark side of society to the audience. Due to media

censorship, media manipulations, media framing, media regulation, gatekeeping, and fake

news, media plays a negative role in society by manipulating the audience`s choice, opinions,

thoughts, and ability to vote according to their choice.

Media representation means how media portrays the events happening in our society, it

includes different aspects of our society like race, gender, ethnicity, age, and physical

abilities. Media is the fourth pillar of the state, so media representation is essential for the
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development of a society. Media is the stereotypical representation of various groups in

society through various media technology.

Media represents gender stereotypes through video, images, and data it depicts. Media also

represents the stereotypical thinking and views about transgenders in our society. According

to the Oxford Dictionary transgenders are defined as “relating to a person whose gender

identity does not correspond with the sex registered for them at birth”. 6th Population &

Housing Census indicated that Pakistan had 106,449,322 men, 101,314,780 women, and

10,418 transgender people. By percentage, men form 51%, women 48.76%, and transgender

people 0.24% of the total population of Pakistan. About 74% of the transgender population

lives in urban areas of Pakistan rather than in rural areas. Studies reveal that 6,709

transgender people live in Punjab,2,527 in Sindh,913 in KPK,133 in Islamabad,109 in

Baluchistan, and 27 in Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA).

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Historical Events:

In the history of Pakistan, transgenders were stereotyped as a sign of disgrace and shame.

People considered it a taboo to talk about them. The media never talked about the rights and

liberation of transgenders in the history of the Media in Pakistan. Discrimination against

transgender people was common at that time. In Pakistan, they are known as Khawaja sira. At

that time transgenders were unaware of their rights, so they were automatically appointed to

do the most inferior chores of the community. As media awareness rose to its height along

with The Act that passed in 2013 providing transgenders their rights of property and

inheritance, voting, healthcare, and education, trans people finally changed their perception

of their lives. Kami Sid was the first transgender to rise to fame and give prominence to the

transgender community by being an LGBTQ rights activist, fashion model, and actor in

‘Rani’ movie. Sid then paved the way for transgenders all over the country to fight and live

for their basic rights.

Positive Portrayals
A more diversified and inclusive cultural environment has been facilitated by the increasing

prevalence of positive and empowering images of transgender people in various media. The

favorable portrayal of transgender people in the media is essential in advancing acceptance

and equality because it can change attitudes, dispel myths, and promote understanding. The

following points may help explain the concept.

 Positive media portrayals of transgender people give them much-needed visibility and

aid in debunking myths and preconceptions. Through the representation of

transgender characters in a range of roles and narratives, the media enhances our

understanding of the transgender experience and makes it more authentic and

complex.
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 Empowering depictions frequently emphasize the human side of transgender people,

emphasizing their aspirations, challenges, and victories. This empathetic strategy

encourages.

 Positive portrayals of transgender people explore the depth of their lives rather than

reducing them to clichéd tropes. These characters have complex personalities that

appeal to a wider readership, transcending the boundaries of gender identification.

 The media celebrates the diversity of human experiences by presenting a range of

narratives that support the idea that there is no one "correct" way to identify as

transgender.

 By educating the public about the difficulties faced by transgender people and the
significance of acceptance, positive media portrayals have an educational effect. A
more knowledgeable and caring society is a result of this educational component.
 The transgender community itself can benefit greatly from positive media portrayals,
which can promote empowerment, pride, and self-acceptance. Transgender people see
a decrease in feelings of loneliness when they view affirming representations of their
identities in the media.
 It has the power to change people's perceptions of them over time, promoting an
inclusive and tolerant society. The media has the power to influence public opinion
and aid in the debunking of damaging misconceptions.

Negative Stereotypes:
Like in many other parts of the world, the media has shaped cultural opinions in Pakistan as

well, oftentimes reinforcing derogatory images and preconceptions of transgender people.

Sensationalism has frequently tainted the portrayal of transgender people in Pakistani media,

feeding negative perceptions that further the marginalization of this group.

Sometimes transgender characters have been portrayed in television dramas and movies with

a limited perspective, concentrating on cliched stories that make them into objects of

contempt or sympathy. Such representations impede the move towards greater inclusivity by

reinforcing societal prejudices in addition to stereotypes.

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Sensationalism-driven media attention may unintentionally dehumanize transgender people

and further marginalize them in the public's perception.

It will need a determined effort to advance varied and genuine narratives that capture the

diversity and variety of transgender life to combat these derogatory depictions. Pakistan may

contribute to a culture of tolerance, acceptance, and equality by encouraging a more nuanced

knowledge about the rights of the transgender community.

Impact on Social Attitudes:

Media representation significantly influences public perceptions of transgender individuals in

Pakistan, serving as a powerful force in shaping societal attitudes. The portrayal of

transgender individuals in various media forms, including television, films, and news, has a

direct impact on how the public perceives this community.

When media perpetuates negative stereotypes, and clichéd narratives, or sensationalizes

transgender stories, it contributes to the reinforcement of existing biases and prejudices.

Limited and often misrepresentative depictions can lead to a lack of understanding, fostering

a culture of ignorance and discrimination. Transgender individuals may be reduced to one-

dimensional characters, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and marginalizing them within

society. On the other hand, factual and positive media representations have the power to

dispel myths, humanize transgender experiences, and foster empathy. More acceptance and

comprehension of transgender life can result from exposing audiences to various kinds of

complex and nuanced depictions. Realistic narratives that showcase transgender individuals
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in a range of settings and roles have the power to shatter prejudices and alter public opinion.

People's information-absorbing processes and how they form opinions based on what they

see and hear demonstrate the relationship between media exposure and societal attitudes.

Positive portrayal may help create a more compassionate and accepting culture, which can

lead to a change in perceptions that will allow transgender people in Pakistan to be treated

with more respect and acceptance.

Case Studies:
 In the drama serial “Alif Allah Aur Insan” Imran Ashraf plays the role of Shammo, a

transgender. This drama shows the relationship between Allah and humans. A

transgender character who fights discrimination. Shammo's story alters perceptions in

society by providing a complex portrait that draws out the obstacles and toughness of

transgender people. In Pakistani media, the character speaks to a deeper discussion

about acceptance and inclusivity.

 Noor, portrayed by Ayesha Khan in the drama serial "Khuda Mera Bhi Hai," is a

transgender character juggling personal identity and societal stereotypes. The plot of

Noor examines the difficulties transgender people in Pakistan experience, highlighting

the value of acceptance and unwavering love. In the world of Pakistani television

dramas, the character helps dispel misconceptions, raise awareness, and advance a

more inclusive narrative.

 In the drama “Sar-e-Rah”, Munib Khan plays the role of an intersex boy who has

faced the challenges of society to become an Assistant Commissioner in Pakistan.

 In “Bol” movie, Amr Kashmiri played the role of Syed Saifullah Khan or Saifi. He

was an intersex child. His father does not like Saifi because of his gender. In the

movie, another character Mustafa, who is his sister`s husband, gets Saifi a job where

he paints the truck but at the workplace, Saifi is harassed and raped because the
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people there discriminate against his identity. The father of Saifi suffocates him to

death with a plastic bag because he considers Saifi a shame for his family and he has

never accepted Saifi as his family.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, how transgender people are portrayed in the media in Pakistan has a

significant impact on society's attitudes and perceptions. Notwithstanding recent

advancements toward more inclusive and nuanced depictions, difficulties still exist.

Sensationalism, constrained narratives, and negative stereotypes frequently take center stage

and contribute to the marginalization of the transgender population. Such representations

have negative effects that go beyond the screen; they promote prejudice and misinterpretation

while impeding the development of a more accepting society. On the contrary hand, accurate

and favorable portrayals have the power to change public perceptions by upending deeply

held beliefs and promoting empathy. The media has a critical role in establishing cultural

norms, and presenting varied narratives that highlight the complex lives of transgender

people can have a substantial positive impact on social development. Stereotypes can be

erased by truthful storytelling, precise casting, and complex tales, which provide audiences a

more sympathetic and genuine perspective on the transgender experience.

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Media outlets must positively influence public opinion as Pakistan navigates the tricky

junction of tradition and modernization. Public awareness campaigns combined with ongoing

lobbying for true portrayal can help create a more accepting, understanding, and inclusive

culture in which transgender people are valued part of society rather than stereotypes.

References:
 TRACE (article)
 StudySmarter (aricle)
 Oxford Research Encyclopedia
 Wikipedia
 Census bureau (percentages)
 tribune.com.pk
 www.researchgate.net
 Bol movie ( Saifi character)
 Sar-e-Rah drama serial ( intersex by role of Munib Khan)
 Khuda Mera Bhi Hai drama serial ( Noor character)
 Alif Allah Aur Insan drama serial ( Shammo character)
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