Cute Cartoon Teaches Children in Pakistan to Love Trans People

To be transgender in America is difficult, but in Pakistan, there are far more obstacles — like outrageous myths that claim trans people kidnap children at night

Pakistani artist Anain Shaikh has created a cartoon for children that wipe away the myths and falsehoods that children are conditioned to believe in Pakistan about transgender people. The cartoon follows a young boy who is fearful of a trans person who has been invited into his home.

“The reason I made this animation was because even as a kid I was exposed to a lot of what was mentioned in this video,” Shaikh told Maati TV. Shaikh added: “I think as children we listen to a lot of these myths and untruths. And when we grow up they turn into actual fears. That’s why the transgender community is so targeted in our community.”

The video was posted on Facebook and has since received a lot of positive messages. One viewer wrote:

“This video is absolutely amazing! I have always felt very strongly about this dilemma as well. I will show this video to my baby cousins because these myths should be nipped in the bud.”

Check out the video and reference the translation underneath so that you can follow the beautiful transformation of a young child from fear to understanding, acceptance, and love:

1. One day a strange visitor came to my house.
2. She’s the same person everyone was talking about the other day. Everyone is scared of people like her.
3. Saba Khala (Aunt) says their badh dua (curses) are very dangerous. They can curse you easily.
4. Amna Aunty says they come and kidnap you at night.
5. Even Nani Jaan (Grandmother) was saying they are not how they look like on the outside.
6. I’m really scared of going inside. I don’t get why mom invited her.
7. What is this? Mano Billi (name of the cat) is playing with her as well!
8. I was getting afraid for no reason. She is nothing at all like everyone claimed.