FAMILY, RELIGION, AND SOCIETY: IMPACTS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF TRANSGENDERS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Transgenders in Pakistan face systemic discrimination through rejection by families, stigmatization within religion, and marginalization in society. These forces directly impact their mental health. This study investigates the psychosocial effects of family, religion, and society on the mental health of transgender men in Pakistan, and explores coping strategies and resilience pathways. Six participants aged 22–30 were interviewed using semi-structured questions and administered the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). Thematic analysis and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) were applied. Five themes emerged: family rejection, religious stigma, societal exclusion, mental health outcomes, and coping/resilience. Narratives highlighted depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, but also coping through spirituality, advocacy, and community solidarity. Family, religion, and society shape the psychological well-being of transgender men in Pakistan. While these structures often produce distress, participants demonstrated resilience. Policy, family awareness, and religious inclusivity are urgently needed