Excommunication
Since she took up the trans cause, Malak’s life has never been the same. On an emotional level, she had to deal with people who asked her to let go of the dream of serving transgenders. Others fear being seen with her in public. But many relationships also proved to be genuine; friends who, away from fame and spotlights, support Malak in her battle. Perhaps the highest emotional price she had to pay for her cause, however, is being excommunicated by her family, except for her mother who still calls and meets from time to time.
Ms. al-Kashef has an otherwise busy life. She works as a writer and blogger, and she is a very active feminist and an advocate for transgender causes, always participating in events and raising awareness. Seeking asylum in the West is a road many take to escape harassment in Egypt and find a safe community. Malak refuses to take that route: “I will not leave this country until cases of transgender abuse become, as per Article 53 of the Constitution, considered as sexual discrimination crimes adequately punishable”, she says.
Article 53 of the Egyptian constitution states that: “All citizens are equal before the Law. They are equal in rights, freedoms and general duties, without discrimination based on religion, belief, sex, origin, race, color, language, disability, social class, political or geographic affiliation or any other reason. Discrimination and incitement to hatred is a crime punishable by Law. The state shall take necessary measures for eliminating all forms of discrimination, and the Law shall regulate creating an independent commission for this purpose”. However, this article remains largely unimplemented, especially in religion, sex, or racism-related cases.
Ms. al-Kashef believes that she has won her latest battle to prove that transgender people exist: “My victory highlights the political and social role that transgender people can play. It shows that we are capable of winning this battle. I helped society and the authorities to know more about us, thus opening the door for transgender people’s explicit and brave participation in the civil movement. I was a passcard for both parties”.