Governing Thirdness State, Society and Non-Binary Identities

"This book studies the multiple forms of governance to which genderqueer individuals are subjected in formal and informal institutions. Three key aspects of governance - categorization, discipline, and disposal - that are common across all institutions, are discussed in various aspects of the role they play in 'governing' those that identify as genderqueer, specifically, the Khawaja Sira of Pakistan. The empirical focus of the work is on this group who are a heterogeneous group of individuals that have traditionally been defined as comprising of biological men who prefer the feminine gender. Despite this, other labels and terms such as "neither men nor women", transgender, transsexual, hijra, or third-gender have also been used to for them. This book looks at their legal, personal, and social identities and is situated at the intersection of gender studies, legal studies, and public administration. It narrates the lived experiences of the Khawaja Sira as they try to live an unliveable life within an increasingly categorizing and 'sanitizing' society, and places it within the context of the Supreme Court of Pakistan's decision that created the legal third gender category in 2011. The author attempts provide an account of the multiple forms of governance of Thirdness across legal, social and administrative institutions in Pakistan. He also tries to share the lived experiences of the Khawaja Sira as they attempt to live an unlivable life within an increasingly intrusive state and society"--