A pregnancy photoshoot by an Indian transgender couple, Ziya Paval and Zahad, is gaining attention on social media. The couple, who live in Kerala, paused their hormone therapy to have a baby and are expecting the arrival of their child soon. The couple is open about their journey, with Paval identifying as female and Zahad identifying as male, and have received widespread support from their social media followers.
Transgender rights in India have come a long way since 2014, when the Supreme Court ruled that transgender individuals have the same rights as others. However, transgender individuals still face challenges in accessing education and healthcare and are frequently the targets of prejudice and stigma. Paval and Zahad both left their respective families after coming out as transgender, but Zahad’s family has since accepted the couple and been supportive throughout the pregnancy.
The couple decided to have a baby one-and-a-half years ago and stopped their hormone therapy with the advice of their doctors. After the baby is born, they plan to resume their hormone therapy and will face the challenges of making ends meet. Paval, a dance teacher, and Zahad, an accountant, say they will have to find more work to support their family. Despite the difficulties they may face, the couple is determined to be the best parents they can be and are grateful for the support they have received from the transgender community.