TRANSSEXUALITY IN IRAN: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Iran like many countries of the world, has recorded growth in the cases of transsexuals. Being an Islamic nation, issues of transsexuality could be controversial in view of the fact that it is perceived as a leeway for homosexuality. Transsexuality is permissible, while, homosexuality is a crime punishable by death in Iran. This is in view of the fact that transsexuality is perceived as a form of disability that can be cured through medical treatment. This paper intends to examine the position of gender, transsexuality and sex reassignment surgery in Iran. Doctrinal methodology was used in arriving at the findings of the research. According to the findings, Sex reassignment surgery is the most medically effective treatments for gender identity disorders. It increases satisfaction and the quality of transsexuals’ life after surgery in compare with responding before surgery and Iran is ranked second in cases of sex change surgeries globally. Despite, the legality of sex reassignment surgery and change personal documents, transsexuals face challenges in other aspects of life in Iran like other countries.