Transgender Entrepreneurship Barriers and Support: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The core focus of this study is the exploration of the available barriers and possible support for transgender entrepreneurship in Pakistan. The twenty-five (25) transgender entrepreneur were interviewed, who had quit dancing, acting, begging and commercial sex work and stared a business venture. While employing the grounded theory (qualitative methodology), the finding of the study suggested the transgender entrepreneurs face unique barriers that can hinder their entrepreneurial journey, spanning across six (6) major dimensions including economic, social, legal, educational, market and psychological. On the other hand, the finding also suggest the possible support systems or mechanism, consisting of (6) main domains, including the government and legal support, financial support, non-governmental and non-profits organizational support, community and peer support, market access and visibility support, and finally psychological and emotional support. This article shed light on transgender entrepreneurship in Pakistan and also critical observed the major problems which restricting transgender individuals, to become entrepreneur, and their solutions which can help the transgender community to contribute in the ongoing social and economic progress of this country. The findings of this study also provide direction to the effort and support of government, civil society and none governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting entrepreneurship among the transgender community of Pakistan. At the end of the study, the limitations and future research direction are discussed.