Trans Kashmir, a 2020 documentary directed by Surbhi Dewan and S.A. Hanan, sheds light on the marginalized transgender women of Kashmir, who have been integral to their society for generations. Traditionally, these individuals have worked as matchmakers and performers, playing significant roles in social and cultural spheres. However, their gender identity, coupled with the region’s socio-political and economic challenges, positions them among the most vulnerable populations globally. The documentary offers an intimate and poignant portrayal of their culture, resilience, and struggle for basic human rights, and showcases the efforts of prominent gender rights activist Aijaz Ahmad Bund to secure a better future for the transgender community.
Surbhi Dewan, an independent writer, director, and producer, is known for creating films that connect personal stories to larger socio-political contexts. Her works often explore themes of political conflict, memory, displacement, and personhood. Dewan’s dedication to humanizing marginalized groups through her films is evident in her body of work, including her award-winning films An Open Sky and Daughter of Nepal, as well as her co-production of the feature-length documentary A Thin Wall about the Partition of India. Dewan’s production company, Painted Tree Pictures, is based in New Delhi, where she produces both social and commercial content. S.A. Hanan, a television producer, director, and educator, has an extensive career in producing and directing over 300 hours of television content, including documentaries, short fiction films, public service announcements, and talk shows. He is also an advocate for social justice and gender equality, and his work has earned him the prestigious International Ford Fellowship in 2007. Hanan’s writing on sustainable development, minority rights, and gender issues in Kashmir has appeared in numerous publications, and he has taught film production at several universities and institutes across India.
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The documentary Trans Kashmir delves into the lives of transgender individuals - particularly Reshma, Babloo, Shabnum, and Sultan - who are artists and performers striving to live meaningful lives amidst pervasive societal discrimination. For centuries, Kashmiri transgender people held a certain position of respect in society, with roles in royal courts and palaces. Over time, many of them became singers and performers, yet faced intense backlash, especially during the British colonial period. As a result, they were pushed to the fringes of society, ultimately turning to matchmaking as a means of survival. However, even this source of livelihood is under threat in the digital age, where competition from new technologies has significantly impacted their work. The film underscores the plight of transgender people in Kashmir, particularly as their struggles for recognition, rights, and identity are intensified by the region’s political turmoil. While the beautiful Kashmir Valley serves as a captivating backdrop, Trans Kashmir reveals the unique challenges faced by the transgender community, where their fight for basic human dignity is complicated by the broader socio-political instability and the ongoing conflict in the region.
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In Trans Kashmir, we hear the voices of those who endure daily struggles that many take for granted. One such voice is that of Nisar Ahmad, a transgender man featured in the documentary, who poignantly reflects on his paradoxical experience of being born in the stunningly beautiful Kashmir Valley, yet facing immense hardships due to his identity. The film's clever use of animation early on is particularly striking - it allows the transgender individuals to speak without being seen, symbolizing their marginalized existence in a society that often refuses to acknowledge their presence. Kashmir is widely known for its breathtaking landscapes and ongoing conflict, but Trans Kashmir highlights how the transgender community’s issues are distinct from the broader political strife. Though the conflict exacerbates their struggles, other persistent issues such as discrimination, unemployment, and social exclusion remain central to their lives. The film takes an in-depth look at these realities, offering a comprehensive portrayal of a community’s fight for survival and recognition amidst societal rejection and political turmoil.
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The documentary highlights the harsh discrimination faced by the transgender community in Kashmir, often resulting in incidents of violence and humiliation. Reshma, one of the protagonists, recounts an incident where a passer-by spat on and physically assaulted her. The community also faces prejudice from the medical profession, as evidenced by the disturbing account of transgender activist Aijaz Ahmad Bund, who recalls how a doctor once suggested shock therapy for a transgender man. The transgender community’s primary source of livelihood - matchmaking - has been increasingly threatened by the rise of digital platforms, leading to greater economic vulnerability. Shabnum, another transgender individual featured in the documentary, speaks about the additional challenges of asserting property rights and the bureaucratic obstacles that transgender people face when attempting to claim what is rightfully theirs. Moreover, the intersection of the transgender experience with the ongoing political conflict in Kashmir is powerfully portrayed. Reshma shares a traumatic memory of being forced by armed forces to perform and sing, an experience that left her feeling humiliated and marginalized by both society and the state.
Despite the numerous challenges, the documentary also emphasizes the remarkable efforts of transgender activist Aijaz Ahmad Bund, who has been working tirelessly for the rights of the community through his organization, Sonzal Welfare Trust. Bund’s efforts include advocating for social and political inclusion, as well as fighting for the recognition of transgender people as a marginalized group deserving of social services and protection. In August 2017, Bund filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir seeking the inclusion of the transgender community in the political and social mainstream. This legal action remains unresolved, but Bund continues to advocate for the community, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are fought for.
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Trans Kashmir is not merely a documentation of struggle, but also a message of hope for change. As the film draws to a close, it leaves the viewer with a sense of optimism for the future of Kashmir’s transgender community. Despite the overwhelming hardships, there is a glimmer of hope that one day, the community will receive the recognition and respect they deserve. The film’s use of poignant music, poetry, and powerful visuals highlights the beauty and resilience of the transgender community, offering a heartfelt tribute to their strength and dignity. The film’s storytelling and editing are masterful, seamlessly weaving together the personal narratives of the protagonists with the broader socio-political context of Kashmir. Trans Kashmir serves as both an eye-opening exploration of a community that is often overlooked and a call to action for social change. It offers a much-needed platform for the voices of marginalized transgender individuals and could be a catalyst for changing societal attitudes toward this vulnerable population. Through its moving portrayal of the lives of Kashmir’s transgender community, Trans Kashmir is more than just a documentary; it is a powerful tool for social change, challenging preconceived notions and advocating for justice, equality, and dignity for all.
Image credits: YouTube
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