A group of transgender women learn the Koran at Pakistan's first transgender only madrassah or a religious school, in IslamabadRani Khan reads the Koran at Pakistan's first transgender only madrassah or a religious school, in IslamabadISLAMABAD - A long white shawl on her head, Rani Khan gives daily Koran lessons at Pakistan's first transgender-only madrasa, or Islamic religious school, which she set up herself using her life savings.
At 17, she joined a transgender group, dancing at weddings and other functions, but quit it to connect with her religion after a dream in which a deceased transgender friend and fellow dancer pleaded with her to do something for the community. She says the school has not received aid from the government, although some officials promised to help students find jobs.