Indian transgender couple cause a stir with pregnancy photoshoot

Ziya Paval and Zahad, a transgender couple from the southern state of Kerala, India, are making headlines and history with their pregnancy photoshoot.

The couple, who were in the midst of a gender transition, decided to have a baby one-and-a-half years ago, pausing their hormone therapy on the advice of their doctors.

“Trans people deserve family,” said transgender actress S Negha on Paval’s Instagram post, which showcases the couple’s journey and received a flood of congratulations.

The couple is believed to be the first in India’s transgender community to publicly announce their pregnancy and identify as biological parents.

Despite India’s Supreme Court ruling in 2014, that transgender individuals have the same rights as others, the couple still faces challenges in accessing education and healthcare and battles against prejudice and stigma.

Paval and Zahad, who both…