Posted by Ali Raza Khan | June 5, 2025
Asalaam Alaikum and a very Happy Pride Month to all!
This Pride Month, I was incredibly honoured to contribute a video message to the Asia Pacific Network of YKP (Youth LEAD AP) for their powerful series, “Queer Joy as Resistance.” As the founder of PridePakistan.org, a network for LGBTQI+ people of Pakistani origin, this theme resonates deeply with the work we do and the lives we live.
Youth LEAD AP shared a snippet of my message on their social media, which beautifully encapsulated the core idea:
“As Part II of our Queer Joy as Resistance videos, we hear from Ali from Pride Pakistan.
‘Queer joy can be found in intimate and resilient safe spaces… when they want us to live in shame and fear, our laughter is a rebellion.’ 💖
Where can you find queer joy in your community? 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
#Pride2025 #Queer #YoungLGBT”
This invitation prompted me to reflect on what queer joy means, especially in contexts like Pakistan where our community faces immense challenges.
For too long, young LGBTIQ+ individuals in Pakistan have been navigating systemic discrimination. We’ve witnessed the insidious spread of anti-gender and anti-rights movements, escalating from whispers on social media to the very halls of policy-making. These movements don’t just seek to silence us; they aim to erase our existence and deny our fundamental humanity.
But our resistance is not solely defined by the fight against oppression. It is equally, if not more importantly, about embracing and celebrating the vibrant tapestry of who we are.
For me, queer joy is that undeniable spark in our eyes when we connect with someone who understands our journey without a single word needing to be spoken. It’s the “hamsafar” – the fellow traveller, the companion – who sees us, celebrates us, and stands unflinchingly by our side, no matter the cost. It’s the shared laugh over a coded joke, a moment of understanding that transcends the need for explanation. In Pakistan, where public expression of our identities can be fraught with fear, queer joy is often cultivated in these intimate, resilient safe spaces – be they online forums, trusted circles of friends, or deep within the sanctuary of our own hearts.
This is why I say: When they want us to live in fear and shame, our laughter is a rebellion.
How can we continue to wield this joy as a potent form of resistance?
- By Living Authentically: Every time we choose to live true to ourselves, even in small ways, we chip away at the fear they try to instill.
- By Building and Nurturing Our Communities: These spaces, whether online or offline, are our lifelines. They are where we find strength, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
- By Celebrating Each Other Loudly: When one of us finds happiness, achieves a milestone, or simply experiences a moment of peace, celebrating that joy amplifies our collective spirit. It sends a message that we are here, we are thriving, and we will not be diminished.
- By Extending That Joy Outwards: Our joy can be infectious. It has the power to educate, to challenge harmful misconceptions, and to build bridges with those who may not yet understand.
In Pakistan, where the fight for our rights is an ongoing, often uphill battle, our joy is not a luxury; it is our fuel and our armour. It reminds us of the beauty, the love, and the freedom we are fighting for: a future where every young LGBTIQ+ Pakistani can live freely, safely, and joyfully.
Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts. Let us continue to find, create, and share our queer joy, not just this Pride Month, but every day.
Pride Mubarak!
Ali Raza Khan
More on PridePakistan.org :Pride Pakistan Founder Ali Raza Khan Delivers Powerful Message on “Queer Joy as Resistance” for Pride Month 2025 – Pride Pakistan
On Youth LEAD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthLEADAP/posts/1150941557071594
On Youth LEAD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKeP-KPStu9/?img_index=2
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