ABSTRACT
This study is an attempt to explore the role of social media in producing alternative discourse for male-to-female transgender community of Pakistan. The study has analyzed posts and tweets of seven transgender activists thematically linked to the discourse of the transgender community in the context of Transgender Persons (protection of rights) Act 2018. The analyzed sample has been chosen from the year 2020-2022 to study the discourse of the male-to-female transgender community. Critical Discourse Analysis has been employed to analyze the discourse and representation of the transgender community. This study reveals significant findings across various themes related to transgender rights in Pakistan. Social media posts and tweets shed light on the pervasive discrimination faced by transgender individuals, emphasizing the urgent need for increased inclusivity, legal safeguards, and societal understanding. Through this study, social media’s dual nature is examined, showcasing both its role in empowerment and exposure of discrimination. Power dynamics and marginalization within Pakistani society are explored, with a focus on empowering the transgender community through initiatives promoting economic independence and social inclusion. Activism and advocacy emerge as crucial components, emphasizing the resilience of transgender activists in promoting legal rights, awareness, and recognition. Challenging societal expectations, raising awareness through education, and acknowledging intersectionality within the feminist movement are highlighted as essential for social change. The study underscores the agency and empowerment of transgender individuals, while also addressing prevalent issues such as transphobia, misgendering, and the impact of hegemonic discourse. The role of religion and politics, particularly the intersection of Islamic principles with legal protections, as well as the government’s involvement in legal reforms, are identified as critical factors influencing transgender rights in Pakistan. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of alternative discourses on social media in challenging 6 discriminatory narratives and advocating for a more accepting and rights-based society for transgender individuals.