Their story gained international attention after being featured by the South China Morning Post, and the couple has since received messages of support from around the world.
Ziya and Zahad are among the first openly transgender couples in India to publicly announce the birth of a child—a development that many see as a milestone moment for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
India has made legal progress in recent years around transgender recognition, but stigma and discrimination still exist. The couple has said they hope their story helps challenge stereotypes and open minds.
“We are just like anyone else,” said Ziya. “We want to love, we want to care for our child, and we want to live a peaceful life.”
The journey wasn’t without challenges. Ziya noted that navigating healthcare and societal expectations was often difficult, especially in a country where traditional views on gender are deeply rooted.
