Abishey Bisharat is the first Pakistani Christian transgender woman to become a police officer, making her a powerful advocate for change. Her work highlights the urgent need to address the challenges faced by the transgender community.
Hailing from a double minority background, Abishey is a courageous example of living authentically within her family, including her siblings and beloved mother. Located in the conservative region of Balochistan, Quetta, she has overcome adversity in an environment where women’s freedoms are often severely restricted. Abishey’s voice resonates for women, transgender individuals, and minority communities.
Despite experiencing bullying and threats due to her gender identity, she persevered. Abishey graduated from the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) with degrees in IT and Fine Arts. Her determination makes her a beacon of hope for vulnerable groups.
After graduation, Abishey became a leader for the transgender community in Balochistan, addressing issues faced by marginalized minorities. She founded Trans United and PWD Group, organizations dedicated to supporting transgender individuals and persons with disabilities. Her activism has had a significant impact throughout Pakistan.
Abishey’s work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) further solidified her role as a prominent figure in Balochistan. Despite security threats, she accepted a position as a Victim Support Officer within the police department. This empowered her to better serve the transgender community. It also demonstrated a positive shift by the police department to become more inclusive.
Thanks to her groundbreaking efforts, Tahafuz centers for the transgender community now exist across Pakistan, staffed with transgender police officers. Abishey’s journey is driven by a desire to expose the struggles of marginalized groups and combat societal indifference. She bravely challenges discriminatory laws like the Transgender Protection Act 2018 Bill, fighting for the fundamental rights of her community. Her family, especially her mother, are a vital source of support and pride.
