Karachi: Transgender moral police to clap down prices

[Olivia P]

By Rabia Ali,  July 3, 2014

"If you don't stop profiteering, you will go to hell!" shrieked Payal, a transgender as she clapped her hands loudly at a poultry seller. "Who are you to say that to me?" came the burly man's meek response. He knew full well that he was helpless against this moral police. These transgender inspectors have been authorised by the city's commissioner to go around in markets and scold, embarrass and complain against those selling commodities at higher rates.

Two hours before Iftar on Wednesday, transgender Payal and Fouzia, accompanied Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui and the assistant commissioner of Saddar to the Empress Market in raid against profiteers.

More: http://tribune.com.pk/story/730407/transgender-moral-police-to-clap-down-prices/

[Eris]

I really don't think I'm understanding this...

[Olivia P]

In that part of the world people who step outside of male/female are seen as sacred, touched by god, and offer blessing/curses, prior to colonialism introducing discrimination of such people in the region, there was a big culture of respect, and recently with the global movement fighting for equality, that culture is being revived once again in that region.

For example:

[kira21 ♡♡♡]

Sorry, where is that I am moving to? :-)

[Olivia P]

Karachi is in Pakistan, and this culture is found throughout south east asia. Due to the pre colonialism culture not being fully eliminated by colonialism this region does appear to be progressive, such as many countries in that region bringing back an official legal recognition for third gender. Third gender in their culture includes both people born intersex and people who we consider trans, that includes the full spectrum.

There is of course still discrimination present and alot of work to do.

This map has alot of information regarding various cultures perceptions throughout history, with a heavy focus on south east Asian cultures.

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/two-spirits/map.html