Gender identity, family rejection and transphobia among young hijra in Pakistan: a phenomenological study from Pakistan

Background This article explores how young hijra experiences their gender identity exploration, family rejection, violence and transphobia within their family, cultural, linguistic and community contexts. The study examines the lived experiences of young hijra living in Peshawar Pakistan.Methods Using a qualitative Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, and transfeminist framework, face to face interviews were conducted with 9 young hijra’s in their place of living. Participants were selected using snow bowling sampling techniques. They were informed on the voluntary participation and consent in the study. Each Interview lasted for 60 min and were audio recorded on the consent provided by participants.Results The findings demonstrate that the expression or disclosure of a gender identity that challenges cisnormative expectations can expose young hijra to severe forms of family violence, including physical punishment, confinement, threats, verbal abuse and expulsion from the parental home. Participants’ responses also described how culturally embedded notions of family honor, gender conformity and everyday linguistic practices contributed to stigma, social exclusion and threats to their safety and wellbeing. Pashto proverbs and other forms of derogatory language emerged as important mechanisms through which transphobic attitudes were normalized and reproduced. The findings further illustrate that discrimination extends beyond the family into community and institutional settings, including healthcare and hijra living life in the wider communities.Conclusion This study contributes on the Global South perspectives to the growing evidence base on the social experiences and support needs of trans young people. The article argues that effective support requires culturally responsive, intersectional and safety-oriented approaches that recognize the family, linguistic and structural contexts in which trans young people explore and express their identities.