Impact of multiple stigmas on life experiences of middle-aged khwajasira: a qualitative study

Amna Qasim (), Humaira Jami and Samaira Zareef
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Amna Qasim: Quaid-i-Azam University
Humaira Jami: Quaid-i-Azam University
Samaira Zareef: Quaid-i-Azam University

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract The study contributes to filling the knowledge gap regarding multiple stigmas faced by and their impact on life experiences of middle-aged khwajasira in Pakistan. An interview guide was developed to conduct in-depth biographical interviews with 10 gender nonconforming individuals of khwajasira community recruited through the snowball sampling technique. Interpretative Phenomenological analysis using narratives of the participants was conducted to uncover the underlying themes and categories. Findings revealed that khwajasira is a marginalized and stigmatized gender-based sexual minority group. Experiencing felt, enacted, social, institutional, anticipated, and internalized stigma due to their 3rd gender identity/being khwajasira, gender nonconformity to the gender roles, homosexuality, bisexuality, sex working in the community, AIDS, and age were common themes found in the study. Findings are discussed in the light of existing literature and cultural context. Implications of the findings are also discussed.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05515-2

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