Implementation of Self-Perceived Identity for Gender Change: Issues of policy coherence and relevance towards transgender welfare in Pakistan

Abstract

The gender change is legally permitted by Transgender (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, where the use of self-perception for the gender change remains controversial. The self-perception relevance, suitablility and coherence has the legal policy impact on the future of transgender act.This qualitative research using semi-structured interviews is conducted,as part of policy evaluation with the thematic analysis through NVivo software showing implementation of self-perception test lacking coherency and relevancy. The results highligted that socio-cultural, biological conditions, Islamic injunctions and principles as the main considerations that all parties consider before permitting gender change.Future research on evaluation of the self-perception identity is recommended.