Transgender Afghan refugees escape the Taliban, but not persecution

[Jessica_Rose]

Transgender Afghan refugees escape the Taliban, but not persecution

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/transgender-afghan-refugees-escape-the-taliban-but-not-persecution/ar-BB1j7myG?ocid=windirect&cvid=b2a27f4bd64340e4b61877f64f3669a5&ei=11

Story by Sami Yousafzai (29 Feb 2024)

Islamabad — Issues of gender and sexuality have long been taboo in ultra-conservative Afghanistan, and more so since the Taliban retook control of the country in 2021. For some members of the LGBTQ community, the Taliban's comeback seemed too much of a risk, so they fled to neighboring Pakistan with countless other Afghan refugees.

In late 2023, Pakistan started a controversial program to expel Afghan refugees who lack documentation, fueling fears in particular for LGBTQ refugees like Laila Khan and Jannat, young transgender women who met with CBS News at a guesthouse where they've been living in Pakistan's capital Islamabad.

Human rights groups say hundreds, if not thousands, of Afghan transgender refugees have sought safety in Pakistan, and about 50 have already approached courts in Peshawar seeking protection.

Laila and Jannat tell CBS News that life under the Taliban was unbearable, but circumstances in Pakistan haven't been much better...