title: Is social exclusion pushing the Pakistani Hijras (Transgenders) towards commercial sex work? a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Hijra is a distinct type of gender role in South Asia where men act like women. This group of people is socially excluded by the general community, in terms of attainment of an opportunity for a socially productive life. Often this sort of deprivation forces these individuals towards professions like sex trade, in pursuit of sustenance, which as a consequence places them as a key block in the puzzle of an impending generalized HIV epidemic in Pakistan.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a qualitative study, which involved 8 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions, conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (Pakistan) from February to April 2012. The data was audio taped and transcribed. Key themes were identified and built upon. The respondents were contacted through a gate keeper Hijra who was a member of the hijra community. Multiple interview sessions were conducted with each respondent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two key categories of the Hijras were identified as Khusrapan and Zananapan, during the in-depth interview sessions. This initial information paved way for the four focus group discussions. The data was presented using key themes which were identified. The study participants explained their life histories to us which made it obvious that they had been socially excluded at many stages of their lives from performing normal social functions. This lack of occupational and educational opportunities pushed them towards entering the risky business of selling sex.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The transgender community is socially excluded by the Pakistani society which is leading them to indulge in commercial sex and putting their lives at risk. Prudent measures are needed to form community based organizations managed and led by hijra community and addressing their social exclusion and risky behaviors.
authors.affiliation: Shifa College of Medicine, Pitrus Bukhari Road, Sector H-8/4, Islamabad, Pakistan. drahmedabdullah83@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Muhammad Ahmed
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Abdullah
authors.forename: Zeeshan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Basharat
authors.forename: Bilal
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kamal
authors.forename: Nargis Yousaf
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Sattar
authors.forename: Zahra Fatima
authors.initials: ZF
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.forename: Asghar Dil
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Jan
authors.forename: Anum
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shafqat