For the transgender, there is no place for refuge
By Samia Saleem
Published: October 22, 2011
http://tribune.com.pk/story/279423/for-the-transgender-there-is-no-place-for-refuge/Saniya lost her house in the floods and has no place to go for refuge. The 30-year-old transgender is not welcome at any relief camp because other people are not ready to live with her.
It's not only about being unable to find shelter. Saniya does not have access to relief aid because she does not have a national identity card, she told The Express Tribune by telephone, adding that, "Besides, normal people are considered more genuine."
[...]
Roshni Helpline Trust President Mohammad Ali says the transgender community is more socially and economically vulnerable. They are not welcomed in relief camps and do not have easy access to services, which may be available to other internally displaced persons (IDPs). National identity cards (which many people from the transgender community still do not have) are required for accessing relief services such as Watan Cards, shelter and non-food items, Ali says.
