For the first time in the history of Pakistan, transgenders will be part of a team of boy scouts being sent to Saudi Arabia to serve as volunteers during 2018 Haj pilgrimage

Transgender people in Pakistan are often shunned by their families and forced into begging or prostitution to support themselves, although a recent activist movement is gaining attention and legal rights.

Blue Veins, a transgender welfare organization is coordinating with the IPC to connect and help the community members be part of the Hajj. As per the routine, the volunteers will have to undergo a physical training followed by a test; after which the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs will shortlist the candidates.

“Efforts for sending transgender youth to Saudi Arabia to serve as Khuddamul Hujjaj (volunteers during the annual Haj) are underway,” IPC Sindh Boys Scouts commissioner Atif Amin Husain was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

“The recruitment process for Khuddamul Hujjaj includes physical training and a test. After that, the PBSA sends a list of successful candidates to the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony for a final approval,” Husain said, explaining the process.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOVE

By joining the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, the transgender youth is likely to get social acceptance, feel secure, attain confidence and move forward. Blue Veins Programme Coordinator Qamar Naseem said that after the recruitment of 40 people from the transgender community in Sindh, the organization is planning recruitments from Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

“This can be a game changer and can significantly improve the social acceptance of transgender youth in our society.” Said Naseem.

News Ref : Express Tribune and other news sources.

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