News of a young Egyptian trans woman being arrested at her home on 6 March have hit social media as people fear the possible threats she may face if placed in a male detention center. Malak Al-Kashif is a 19-year-old Egyptian trans woman who, according to her lawyer Amr Mohamed, was arrested for participating in the anti-government protests that took place on 1 March triggered by the horrific train explosion. In an article released by Mada Masr, at least 70 people who took part in the demonstrations have been arrested, but 10 have already been released. However, after her arrest by National Security Agency, Malak’s location is still unknown to her family and lawyer. As soon as news of her arrest circulated social media, people expressed their concern for her vulnerable position given that her national identity card and official papers still list her as male. Malak has been trying to change the gender she was assigned at birth officially for three years as a result of the tedious process and governmental paper work she has to go through despite undergoing the sex reassignment surgery. Because of this, it is…
Egyptian Trans Woman Arrested for Protesting Fears Being Placed in a Male Prison
March 7, 2019
