According to ANI on February 9th, Zahad, a transgender man, and his partner Ziya Paval, a transgender woman, have both undergone gender-affirming hormone therapy while Zahad was pregnant.
Zahad gave birth at a public hospital in the state of Kerala, India. Currently, Zahad and the newborn are being monitored in the special care unit.
Expressing his emotions, Zahad said, “I am truly happy. Today is the day I get to hold my baby.” According to Zahad, the baby knows how to breastfeed and is completely healthy, both physically and mentally.
Meanwhile, Ziya Paval regularly updates images of the couple embracing their roles as parents on social media.
Zahad (23 years old) and Ziya Paval (21 years old) are the first transgender couple in India to become parents.
The birth of their child is a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in India, as the transgender community faces discrimination and prejudice. Awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in India are still limited.
Transgender individuals often encounter difficulties in accessing education, healthcare, and employment. Many are forced to leave their families due to societal prejudice and stigma.
Prior to Zahad’s case, there have been recorded instances of transgender individuals giving birth worldwide.
For example, Thomas Beatie, in Phoenix, Arizona, was the first transgender man globally to conceive and give birth in 2008.