PESHAWAR: Al-Khidmat Foundation, one of Pakistan’s largest humanitarian organisations, hosted a luncheon and distributed sacrificial meat to the marginalised transgender community and artists on Saturday.
The initiative aimed to include these neglected segments of society in Eid al-Adha celebrations by organising a gathering for them, according to Noor ul-Wahid Jadoon, media coordinator at the Peshawar wing of Al-Khidmat Foundation.
The ceremony took place at the main office of Al-Khidmat Foundation on G.T Road in Peshawar and was attended by a large number of transgender individuals and artists from the city.
They enjoyed a sumptuous feast and expressed their appreciation for the foundation’s efforts.
“This is a very welcoming initiative taken by Al-Khidmat Foundation and has won our hearts,” commented one transgender individual. She highlighted that transgender individuals often face seclusion due to societal rejection, even from their own families.
Such behaviour has a detrimental impact on their psychological well-being, making them feel like outsiders in society.
The transgender community suggested that other organisations should adopt and replicate Al-Khidmat’s approach to bring transgender individuals into the mainstream. They believe this would help alleviate the mental stress and trauma caused by the stigma associated with their gender identity and societal rejection.
Al-Khidmat Foundation’s event has received praise for its efforts to address the needs of marginalised communities and for promoting inclusivity during Eid celebrations, analysts observed.
By organising such gatherings and providing support to transgender individuals, the foundation is working towards creating a more accepting and supportive society, they added.
