Will Afghanistan learn that cross-dressers are not criminals?
The video of policemen bullying a transvestite exposed an unpleasant side to Afghan culture – but humane voices give cause for hope
Nushin Arbabzadah
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 13 November 2011 04.00 EST
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/13/cross-dressing-afghanistan-transvestite (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/13/cross-dressing-afghanistan-transvestite)
"Take off your chador," the police officer orders an Afghan cross-dresser in a video that has been shared endlessly on social networking websites.
"Take off your wig!" Beneath the shiny black locks, the head is revealed as male with receding, closely cropped hair.
He's also wearing a scarlet short-sleeved shalwar kamiz – sexy but traditional female attire. The feminine look is accentuated by large sparkling bangles and see-through embroidery.