A Pakistani trans woman shares her personal journey searching for a surgeon who could perform facial feminization surgery (FFS) while preserving her distinctive features. She recounts instances of being misgendered and the societal pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, ultimately finding a doctor who understands and respects her desire to embrace her authentic self.
One day near the end of 2023, I went into the roti shop in my Flatbush, Brooklyn neighborhood for doubles. I’m obsessed with the classic Trinidadian street food dish, which brings a Caribbean twist to the rotis and chana masala my Pakistani family cooked when I was growing up. While waiting to order, a man in the shop looked at me and paused. He brought his eyes up to mine and then down to my feet, staring for seconds on end. Then he burst out laughing.
Talking to my Black and Brown trans sisters, I heard regrets. Some felt their surgeons had made them more womanly in ways that echoed whiteness: smaller noses, pointed chins, almond-shaped eyes. I wondered, what does femininity look like outside of whiteness? When I imagined my own femininity, I saw women like Abida Parveen and Noor Jehan: distinctive Pakistani faces with smaller chins, lower hairlines, and higher lips, but big noses.
He said that medical sciences agreed that there were three steps necessary to make a nose more feminized: shorten the length, smooth out any dorsal humps, and lower the projection of the nasal bridge. I was okay with bringing my nasal bridge down, but I certainly didn’t want my nose to be shorter, or to lose the small hump I had before my nostril. I told Dr. Rosenberg I didn’t care what “medical sciences” said. I was not going to walk out of here looking European.
Nearly nine hours after I first sat on the operating table, I woke up. My body was numb. I didn’t have any memory of what happened. I looked around the room and I was alone. A few minutes passed by and a nurse walked in and asked me, “how are you?” I told her I was about to throw up and I did, several times.
She handed me a mirror. There it was: my big, beautiful, huge-ass Pakistani nose. Dr. Rosenberg had lowered the bridge without changing its size. It fit my face and met the space between my brows just right, still as long and wide as I’d always loved it. It wasn’t Kim Kardashian, and it wasn’t Abida or Noor. It was the face I saw inside of me for years, finally on the outside for the world to see, too.
TRANSGENDER FACIAL FEMINIZATION SURGERY PAKISTANI CULTURE BODY IMAGE BEAUTY STANDARDS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gabriele Colangelo Pre-Fall 2025: A Symphony of Modern FemininityGabriele Colangelo's Pre-Fall 2025 collection showcases a sophisticated interplay of structure and fluidity, creating a captivating vision of modern femininity. The collection features impeccably tailored silhouettes, intricate detailing, and a rich palette of colors, resulting in ensembles that are both elegant and empowering.
Read more »
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You: A Sundance Standout Exploring Motherhood and Modern FemininityA24's psychological drama, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, starring Rose Byrne, took center stage at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film delves into the complexities of motherhood and contemporary womanhood as Linda navigates a series of personal crises, including her child's illness, her husband's absence, and the disappearance of a loved one. As her relationship with her therapist unravels, Linda finds herself increasingly isolated and desperate for answers. The film, directed by Mary Bronstein, has garnered critical acclaim for its exploration of these themes and Byrne's powerful performance.
Read more »
Altuzarra Brings Back Individuality and Femininity in a Return to RootsJoseph Altuzarra's latest show, held in his Woolworth Building headquarters, served as a poignant reminder of the intimate and individual nature of American fashion before its shift towards corporate spectacle. Altuzarra's collection focused on celebrating individuality, femininity, and a subtle defiance, moving away from theatrically themed collections towards a more personal exploration of individual pieces. The show featured noteworthy pieces like a practical cape coat with hidden sleeves and stunning evening dresses with draped chiffon shawls, showcasing both innovation and a nod to classic feminine allure.
Read more »
Widows and Widowers Share Their Experiences Navigating Love After LossThis article explores the diverse ways in which people's love lives are affected after the death of a spouse. Through personal accounts, the piece sheds light on the emotional complexities, challenges, and triumphs that widows and widowers face as they navigate grief and the possibility of finding love again.
Read more »
Medical Binder Helps Woman Secure Diagnosis After 14 Years of Navigating DoctorsA woman's viral video highlights the benefits of creating a comprehensive medical binder, which includes lab tests, X-rays, and reports. The binder helps her advocate for herself, avoid unnecessary tests, and secure a genetic diagnosis after years of struggling to be heard by doctors.
Read more »
Navigating Love and Relationships as a Black Woman in the Deep SouthThe text explores the author's struggles with dating as a successful Black woman in the Deep South. She discusses the societal pressures and expectations that contribute to her challenges and emphasizes the importance of self-love, therapy, and building a supportive community.
Read more »