Hijra, « half-women » of Pakistan

Hijra cultivate the secret and the ambiguity which characterize them. They claim to be pseudo-hermaphrodites, victims of the curse of God but most are eunuches. In Delhi, in the elegant and trendy shops of Connaught place, they threaten to undress if they don’t obtain charities. To Lahore or other sanctuary of Pakistani Punjab, they dance lasciviously in rustic « discos » to attract clients. On both sides of the indo-Pakistani border, they are Hijra or Khusra walking in the streets, in noisy groups, dressed in saris or in shalwar kamiz (ample tunic on a baggy pants). They are welcomed everywhere with a mixture of superstitious fear, contempt, amusement, and sometimes respect.

Photos ©Bruno Morandi – text ®Gérard Busquet

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