In Pakistan, “First Church of Eunuchs” is the only church for Christian transgenders.

Church for Christian transgenders in Pakistan

Pakistan’s Christian transgender community, often mocked, bullied and abused, say they have found peace and support in a church of their own. “The First Church of Eunuchs” is the only church for the transgender Christians in Pakistan. Shunned by other churches, they are told to sit at the back and sometimes told not to dress as a woman.

Ghazla Shafique, the co-founder and pastor of church, said she chose the name to make a point, citing at length verses from the Bible saying ”eunuchs” are favoured by god. Even though the government has recognized them officially as a third gender, the congregation do not feel welcomed.

“People looked at us with eyes that are laughing at us. No one wants to sit near us and some even say we are an abomination. But we’re not. We are humans. We are people. What is wrong with us? This is who we are,” said Nena Soutrey, a transgender woman whose life has been a misery.

During a recent service, the transgender community was seen with scarves loose over their long hair, conducted Bible readings and sang hymns, accompanied by transgender elder in the church with the rhythms of a drum.

Arsoo, a transgender woman said, she was bounced back and fourth in the church as told by the men to sit with the women and by the women to sit with the men. She further added that they are not allowed to sing the hymns or recite the Bible, “I would try to come in front but the others, they consider it a dishonour if we participate. I don’t understand why they feel like this. We are human too, born of our parents. The way God created them, God also created us.”