I am incredibly honored and excited to announce that I will be a speaker at the Basel tickt bunt! Festival’s Pride Walk on Saturday, June 28, 2025. This year’s motto, “Queer Rights are Human Rights,” resonates deeply with me and my work, and I can’t wait to stand with all of you in solidarity.
The Basel tickt bunt! Festival is taking a vital stand against the increasing political attacks on LGBTQIA+ people globally. It’s a powerful call to action, reminding us that now, more than ever, we must unite to defend fundamental human rights for everyone, everywhere.
As many of you know, my journey as an activist began in 2015. As a young, HIV-positive gay refugee from Pakistan, I’ve dedicated my life to advocating for sexual reproductive health and rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, and peace-building within the gay and queer communities. I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous organizations—local, national, and international—all striving for the rights of gay people living with HIV and other vulnerable communities.
Currently, I’m leading the Pride Pakistan campaign and network, focusing on the rights and empowerment of the Pakistani LGBTQI+ community. On a global scale, I serve as a member of the Communities’ Delegation to the board of the Global Fund for HIV, TB and Malaria and co-lead The Youth PACT, both working tirelessly to prevent HIV and AIDS among gay and other key populations. My efforts have been recognized with the Youth Leadership Award 2021 and the HIV HERO Award 2021 by APCOM, which further fuels my commitment.
The fight for queer rights is inextricably linked to the broader fight for human rights. When any group’s basic rights are threatened, it diminishes the freedom and dignity of us all. My speech at Basel Pride will be an opportunity to amplify this message, share my experiences, and call for continued action and allyship.
Event Details: Join Us!
Here’s the essential information for joining the Pride Walk:
- Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Meeting Point: Theodorsgraben, in the park next to Wettsteinplatz, 4058 Basel
- Time:
- Meeting: 15:30
- Speeches: approx. 16:00 (I’ll be speaking around this time!)
- Start of Walk: approx. 16:30
I am particularly pleased that the speeches will be translated into sign language, ensuring that our message reaches an even wider audience.
Join me, along with fellow speakers Conradin Cramer, Edibe Gölgeli, and Frank Lorenz, as we march through Basel, sending a clear and visible signal for human rights and diversity. Let’s make our voices heard and stand together for a world where “Queer Rights are Human Rights” is not just a motto, but a lived reality for everyone.
I look forward to seeing you there!
More on Basel Ticket Bunt Website Here: https://baselticktbunt.ch/en/program/#pridewalk
Read more on Freiburg Pink website:
https://freiburg.pink/event/pride-basel/
Read more on Gay Basel website:
https://www.gaybasel.org/events/12936/pride-walk
Read more on Gay CH website:
https://gay.ch/kultur/basel-tickt-bunt-demonstration-1
Read full programme details here:
https://baselticktbunt.ch/wp-content/uploads/Medienmitteilung_Basel_tickt_bunt_2025.pdf
Read more on Bombast Gay Magzine here:
https://www.schwulst.de/termin/loe/csd/2025-06-28-basel-pride-walk-queer-rights-are-human-rights
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