Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study explores coping strategies used by khwaja sira, a third-gender community, in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. We conducted 45 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with khwaja sira in Mingora, Swat. Interviews were conducted in Pashto, digitally audio recorded, transcribed and translated directly into English, and analysed using thematic content analysis. Applying coping theory, we identified five major themes in the interview transcripts: (1) creating community with other khwaja sira; (2) navigating safety in sex work; (3) managing interpersonal relationships; (4) increasing awareness about transgender rights; (5) trusting in kismet. Findings demonstrate how the khwaja sira community utilises a range of individual and collective coping strategies to manage experiences of social marginalisation.
DOI: 10.1002/ijop.70026
Authors: Sameena Azhar, Imtyaz Ahmad, Laura Gaudio, Simone Les, Allyce List, Maria Mercedes Guzman Herrera, Nadeem Tariq
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Fordham University
OpenAlex ID: W4408245465