Trans couple expecting a baby is a 'first' for India

A transgender couple in southern Kerala, India have announced that they are expecting their first child.

Dancer Ziya Paval recently shared on Instagram that her partner, Zahhad, is eight months pregnant with their first child.

And the case of a pregnant transgender man might possibly the first of its kind to happen in the country.

@paval19/Instagram

She captioned her post: “We are about to realise my dream of becoming a mother and his dream of becoming a father. An eight-month-old foetus is now in (Zahhad’s) belly... From what we came to know, this is the first trans man’s pregnancy in India...”

The couple, who have lived together in Kozhikode for over three years, said that they were both undergoing hormone therapy but stalled their treatment so that they could try for a baby together.

Ziya told The Indian Express: “When we started to live together three years ago, we thought our lives should be different from other transgenders.

"Most transgender couples are boycotted by society as well as their families. We wanted a baby, so that we leave behind something of ourselves even after our days in this world are numbered.’’

They have also confirmed that once their baby is born, Zahhad will continue his transition.

@paval19/Instagram

Ziya added: “Our journey to become a trans man and trans woman will continue. I am still continuing the hormone treatment to become a trans woman. Six months or a year after delivery, Zahhad will also resume the treatment to become a trans man.’’

She also said that they'd spent time carefully considering their decision to have a baby.

The couple had left their families and started their own lives together after coming out as transgender.

According to Ziya, Zahhad had already undergone top surgery and has 'removed both breasts'.

They said that the decision to pause their treatment was due to their desire to start a family together, with Ziya confirming: “In our longing to have a baby, we paused the process.”

Doctors in Kozhikode will be guiding the expectant couple through their childbirth and pregnancy, and their child is due to be born some time next month.

Ms Paval added: “Doctors have told us not to reveal more about the insemination process. Since Zahhad has removed both breasts, we hope to feed the baby from the breast milk bank at the medical college.’’