The third gender has a long history in the culture of South Asia. It doesn't square with Western notions of transsexualism, and many hijra insist that they are neither male or female. Its a complex situation. I do not how many would identify as women if they were culturally and legally accepted as women.
The Supreme Court ruling could pave the way for much better treatment of hijras.
Pakistan Recognizes Third Gender
Politics Daily
by Ria Misra
December 25, 2009
QuoteIn addition to the order for government recognition, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry also issued a warning that the hijras' rights of inheritance, which are often informally ignored, would be enforced, and that police harassment would not be permitted, a sign, perhaps, of rulings to come.
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/12/25/pakistan-recognizes-third-gender/Here is a bit more on the status of hijras in Pakistan:
Pakistan's transvestites to get distinct gender
Reuters India
edited by Robert Birsel and Sugita Member061817l
Dec 23, 2009
QuoteHijras are often denied places in schools or admittance to hospitals and landlords often refuse to rent or sell property to them. Their families often deny them their fair share of inherited property.
Hijras are both feared and pitied in Pakistan. They are feared for their supposed ability to put curses on people while they are pitied as they are widely viewed as the outcast children of Allah.
The number of hijras in Pakistan is not known but community leaders estimate there are about 300,000 of them.
In June, the Supreme Court ordered the government to set up a commission to conduct a census of hijras.
http://in.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idINTRE5BM2BX20091223?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
Post Merge: December 31, 2009, 03:23:51 AM
(Some more details on the Supreme Court ruling)
Supreme Court directs DCOs to hunt for eunuchs' families
Its About Time, Pakistan
December 24, 2009
http://www.pakwatan.com/latest_news1.php?id=12519The court issued a set of directions for the betterment of eunuchs that include direction for the district co-ordination officers (DCO) to locate eunuchs' families, issuance of identity cards by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), insertion in the voters' list, free health facilities and steps for education or vocational training.
(And a statement from one local government spokesman indicating intent to comply
http://www.regionaltimes.com/27dec2009/metrokarachinews/bisp.htm )
