Defying Stereotypes and Embracing Parenthood: Zia and Zahhad's Emotional Story!

Kerala— Zahhad (23) was initially assigned female at birth, but he realized his machismo during his adolescence. Zia (21), on the other hand, was a male who discovered the feminine qualities within himself at an early age. Despite facing resistance from their families and society's stereotypes, both individuals embarked on a journey of gender transition. They eventually met each other, fell in love and then decided to have a baby. They paused their gender transition process midway after finding out that Zahhad could still conceive. 3 years of their partnership, the couple continue to defy societal norms together now.

When The Mooknayak delved into their lives, the rebels came out as soft-hearted individuals, just like any normal parents to-be, with their own anxieties and fears before the arrival of their baby. Yes, Zia Paval and Zahhad Fazil, a transgender couple from Kerala, are set to make history with Zahhad being the first trans male to become pregnant.

Transgenders, a society fearing community

Zia who is a dance teacher says "Transgenders are a society-fearing community and there may be many trans men or trans women who wish to become parents like us. But they do not have the courage to step ahead fearing humiliation and rejection". Speaking about their decision to go for conception rather than adoption, Zia says, "Initially we thought of going for adoption but when we tried to learn details of the process, we knew about the legal complexities involved. Secondly, even if we adopt a baby, when he/she grows up, we would have to tell him that we are not his biological parents and then we cannot predict what the child's response would be". Hence the couple decided to conceive. "Though I was not a woman by birth or by my body, I had the feminine dream inside me to hear a baby calling me ‘mother’….It has been three years since we are together. Like my dream of becoming a mother, he (Zahad) has a dream of becoming a father and today a life of eight months is moving in his belly with his full consent…As far as we know India’s first TRAN’S MAN PREGNANCY," Zia had announced the good news on her Instagram handle.

'I'll deliver and Zia will nurture'

The couple has already established their respective roles as parents prior to the arrival of their baby. Zahhad, a female originally, initially felt hesitant and nervous about becoming pregnant, but now expresses excitement about the experience. He plans to return to work as an accountant in Thiruvananthapuram after a two-month leave following delivery. "I will deliver the baby and get back to work after 2 months. Zia will look after the baby like any doting mother," he says. He terms the journey of motherhood an indescribable experience. The couple said they are getting all support from the Kozhikode's government medical college staff who are equally excited and waiting for the due date for the baby's arrival. The couple intend to feed the infant using the hospital's breast milk bank facility. In about six months to one year after giving birth, Zahhad, who had his breasts removed, will start the process of transitioning to a trans man.