The exquisite dance of Pakistan's cross-dressers
The country's cross-dressing and transgendered community catches rare moments of freedom from persecution
Amjad Mahmoud, 44, is reflected twice in a mirror at her home — once in her public, male clothes, and once in the garb she dons as a proud, transgendered woman.
(AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
Bakhtawar Ijaz, 43, puts on a bra while preparing to go out.
(AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)These are Pakistan's cross-dressing and transgendered residents. They are a small but tight-knit group that recently gained recognition to identify as neither male
Ijaz poses in a combination photo, in an alleyway near her home.
(AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
Ijaz applies makeup to her face as she prepares to go out in Rawalpindi.
(AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen) "I am a very shy man. Eyes always follow me when I walk out of the apartment that I share with a few friends who share the same job like mine (as) dancers," says
Waseem Akram, 27, dances during a private party. Akram identifies as male, saying he dresses as his female counterpart, who he calls Rani, as a way to earn extra money.
(AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
Akram, center, plays a game with neighboring workers, near his mobile-phone accessory stand, at a market in Rawalpindi.
(AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
Akram applies makeup as he prepares for a party at a friend's apartment.
(AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
A combination photo shows Akram in his daytime clothes, and as Rani, a female wedding party dancer.
(AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
