Today, I want to talk about something personal, something many of us in Pakistan navigate in the shadows: being LGBTQ+.
Dating? Forget it. Public displays of affection? A recipe for trouble. Even within families, the pressure to conform can be immense. So, we build our lives in the margins, finding solace in online spaces and amongst those who understand.
But silence isn’t the answer. That’s why I’m sharing my story. Pakistan is a land of vibrant diversity. Shouldn’t that include all of us, regardless of who we love?
Growing up, I knew I was different. Attractions and desires didn’t fit the neat boxes society presented. The more traumtising are the religious and societal believes that stop the gay men from coming out as proud person. Also legal Section 377, that archaic law from colonial times, loomed large with Life imprisonment? if try to open up.
These are constant reminder of the danger of simply being myself. If not life imprisonement of police and authorities if you are nit working for gay men then probably the imprisonment of pyschological centre put by my own ones for correction of so called gay ilness. That is what in a religious conservative society of Pakistan is done. Either you are tried to be corrected by your close ones and society for an ilness that does not exist
- By putting gay men to marry women
- By putting gay men to religious treatment for cure of gay behaviour
- By putting gay men to pyschological centres for cure of gay behaviour
If all not work then you are considered as demon, sinfull and left alone to die.
For the broader LGBTQ+ community, the road remains long and winding. We lack legal protections, and societal acceptance is a distant dream. Some gay men then try to hide themselves as transgender just to survive but that also not works as it is not you are but a confinement to stay caged.
There’s a lot we can do, even as individuals. Education is key. Let’s challenge stereotypes and promote understanding. We can support organizations fighting for our rights. And most importantly, let’s create safe spaces for open dialogue, not just online, but within our communities.
My Pakistan is a beautiful mosaic, but some pieces are missing. Let’s work together to complete the picture, to create a Pakistan where everyone feels free to express their true selves, where love and acceptance are the cornerstones of our society.
As gay Pakistani I am playing my role in whatever capacity I can so you can also do in whatever way you can. This is just the beginning of my story, and hopefully, of a larger conversation. Share your thoughts. Let’s build a brighter future, one where all of us, in all our colors, can find a place to belong.
Remember, on AliRazaKhan.com, I’ll be sharing expereinces and stories on LGBTQ+ rights in Pakistan. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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