Maryam Khatoon Molkara

Maryam Khatoon Molkara is a notable figure in Iranian history, recognized for her role in advocating for transgender rights in Iran. She was instrumental in persuading Ayatollah Khomeini to issue a fatwa legalizing sex reassignment surgery in the 1980s. Her efforts have had a significant impact on the legal landscape for transgender individuals in Iran, making it the only country in the Persian Gulf region where such surgeries are permitted, despite the ongoing persecution of LGBTQ+ people.