KERALA: In a first in the country, a transgender couple brought their first child into the world. A couple Ziya and Zahad- from Kerala became proud parents of the child. The gender of the child is not revealed yet.

Zahad, a transman was carrying the child and gave birth on Wednesday. “This is the happiest day of my life. I got several messages that hurt me. The birth of our child is our reply to them. I thank all those who supported us,” Zahad’s partner, Ziya told interacting with the reporters.

Zahad is said to have delivered the child through C-section at the Government Medical College Hospital.

Health minister Veena George also congratulated transgender partners on the birth of the baby and expressed her wish to meet them in person whenever they are in Kozhikode.

The minister also spoke to the superintendent of IMCH (Institute of maternal and child health) in Kozhikode Medical College and directed them to be vigilant and to provide all necessary treatment to both of them free of cost.

The pregnancy story of the couple Ziya-Zahhad came into the limelight after their maternity photoshoot went viral on social media recently. The photoshoot challenged society’s gender-biased perceptions of the LGBTQ+ community and their right to have a family with kids.

The complicated legal process involved in adopting a baby prompted the couple to try the possibilities of natural conception. At that time, Ziya and Zahhad were trying to change their gender through surgeries. Zahhad’s breasts were surgically removed. After a physical examination, the doctors confirmed that natural pregnancy was possible since the gender transition process is yet to be completed, and the two decided to give birth to a baby.