ashee was the talk of the town, and after hours artist.aja sehra, someone who describes herself as neither male norfemale, in pakistan commonly known as third gender. but entertaining is the preserve of the young, and as the years went by, ashee realised more and more of her community faced destitution when they could no longer work. this is the story of guru ashee‘s quest to change the future of the third gender people in old age. the history of the indian subcontinent is rich with stories of third gender people. during the mughal empire, from the 16th century, they were advisors to the ruling class and experts in the arts. the reality today is much less romantic. i am about to meet one of the most revered members of the community, known affectionately as guru ashee. ‘guru' literally means ‘teacher‘ — they are the elders of the third gender community, and are like surrogate mothers. tonight, guru ashee has invited me, along with her chela hs, or students, to a private party. i'm fine. you look very nice. thanks! guru ashee and her student