X: @vivekbhavsar
In the bustling city of Lahore, where centuries-old traditions blend with the aspirations of modernity, a quiet but powerful revolution is unfolding. Inside the kitchens of the Culinary & Hotel Institute of Pakistan, a group of determined transgender individuals is chopping vegetables, simmering sauces, and mastering the art of fine dining. For many of them, this is more than just a cooking class; it is a chance at a new life.
The institute, which launched its pioneering six-month culinary program for transgender individuals in January 2025, is offering these students something they have long been denied—professional skills, employment opportunities, and, most importantly, dignity. For decades, Pakistan’s transgender community has faced systemic discrimination, often forced into dancing, begging, or sex work due to a lack of alternative means to survive. But now, with a chef’s knife in hand and a dream in their hearts, many are determined to rewrite their future.
Neha Malik, a 31-year-old transgender woman, is one such student. Before enrolling in the course, she relied on dancing at private parties to make ends meet. Now, she finds herself drawn into the culinary world, excited by the possibilities it offers. “I am so absorbed in learning that I don’t have time to dance anymore,” she says with a wide smile. For the first time, Neha is making plans beyond daily survival—she dreams of working as a chef in Dubai, where she hopes to build a better life.
The initiative started with an initial batch of 25 students in January, followed by a second group in February. In total, 50 transgender individuals have joined the program, eager to acquire skills that can help them secure jobs in Pakistan’s growing hospitality sector. The students receive free training and a modest stipend of 8,000 Pakistani rupees ($26) per month, which helps cover basic living expenses during the program. However, financial challenges remain a concern, as the institute struggles to gather funding for long-term sustainability.
Beyond learning to cook, the students are also being prepared for real-world employment. The institute is actively working to place graduates in local restaurants and hotels, ensuring they can transition into the workforce smoothly. More ambitiously, it is also assisting some students in securing international work visas, recognising that opportunities abroad might offer them greater security and acceptance.
This program is part of a larger movement in Pakistan aimed at empowering transgender individuals. In recent years, support hotlines, transgender-friendly ride-sharing services, and dedicated safe spaces have emerged, slowly challenging the deep-rooted stigma the community faces. While legal recognition and rights have improved on paper—Pakistan was one of the first South Asian countries to recognise a third gender—the reality on the ground remains difficult.
Yet, change is happening. Programs like this culinary training initiative are paving the way for a more inclusive Pakistan, where transgender individuals are not just seen but respected for their talents and contributions. In a country where food is deeply woven into culture and identity, it is perhaps fitting that the path to empowerment is being carved out in a kitchen.
For students like Neha, the message is clear: they are not just cooking meals; they are cooking up a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
