Trans Kasmir

“'Sonzal' is a Kashmiri word which means ‘rainbow’. Sonzal is exclusively working for the well-being of gender & sexual minorities.”

Short Synopsis/

Trans Kashmir is a film about the extreme hardships, resilience and beauty of Kashmir’s Hijra (transgender) community and their growing movement for basic human rights.

Once entertainers and employees of the royal court, they were believed to have mystical powers and were treasured members of society. Today, they fight for dignity and basic human rights. For generations, the transgender women of Kashmir have worked as matchmakers and performers but their gender, economic and socio-political realities make them some of the most vulnerable people in the world today. Offering an intimate glimpse into their unique culture, resilience, and beauty, this documentary chronicles their growing movement to secure basic human rights. Also featuring the pre-eminent gender rights activist in Kashmir, who is fighting to ensure the future survival of this community.

Credits/

Directors: Surbhi Dewan , S. A Hanan

Producers:
Surbhi Dewan, Afia Mushtaq

Starring: Reshma, Babloo, Shabnum, Nissar, Simpan, Sultan, Aijaz Ahmad Bund

“We had one more case where an elderly transperson was abandoned by the family. Dogs were feasting on his body.” 

Genre/

Documentary

Duration/

61 mins

Language/

Urdu, Kashmiri, English

Release Date/

15th May 2023

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