I am thrilled to announce my involvement as a team member in a truly groundbreaking initiative: the GLOBAL MUSLIM-JEWISH YOUTH UNITY PROJECT. This project, which officially launched on October 7, 2025, is not just another non-profit; it is a declaration of courage and a testament to the power of people over politics.
The Impossible Has Begun
As someone who has dedicated years to peace-building and preventing violent extremism in Pakistan, I deeply understand the weight of sectarian division and the urgent need for genuine grassroots movements. That’s why the message from the founder, Mansoor Hussain Laghari, resonated with me so profoundly:
“On October 7, 2025, we are launching something the world says cannot be done. No government. No grants. No powerful backers… No resources—only raw determination.”
This project is a bold commitment to building unity from zero. It’s a people-powered movement where young Muslims and Jews stand together to prove that genuine connection can rise above entrenched hate. We are not waiting for permission or funding; we are using our voices and our hearts to build the future we believe in. This is not charity—this is courage.
My Commitment to Muslim-Jewish Unity
My own journey in interfaith dialogue began several years ago. Back in 2020, I was honored to join the Commonwealth Jewish Council’s online youth group, IRCYA (Inter-religious Commonwealth Youth Alliance), serving as a focal point from Pakistan. We organized multiple online seminars and campaigns, connecting young people across the Commonwealth on critical issues of equality and peace. Though that specific group eventually concluded due to funding issues, the experience solidified my belief in the power of youth-led, interfaith collaboration.
It is that foundational experience that makes joining the Global Muslim-Jewish Youth Uunit Project so meaningful. As I said during the launch event introduction:
“Hi everyone. My name is Ali Raza Khan, basically from Pakistan, working on peace building and preventing violent extremism and equality… I am happy to join this group promoting Muslim-Jewish Unity. Thank for including me 🙏”
I am ready to bring my experience in on-the-ground peace education to this global team, working to transform dialogue into durable unity.
The vision for this project is inclusive and powerful. It is open to all faiths and religions because the mission, rising against hate, concerns all of humanity.
Writers, artists, students, dreamers, and builders, if you’ve ever wanted to do something real and see your willpower translate into global change, this is your moment.
The world will one day ask how peace began. Let the answer be: it began with us, when we had nothing but willpower and refused to quit.
Ali Raza Khan, bâtisseur de paix engagé originaire de Multan, au Pakistan, œuvre depuis 2015 pour lutter contre la violence sectaire et la discrimination qui touchent son pays depuis des décennies. Issu de la communauté musulmane chiite, Ali a transformé ses expériences personnelles en une force motrice pour le changement, formant des milliers de jeunes à la construction de la paix et à la prévention de l’extrémisme violent.
Son parcours a commencé par une compréhension profonde de la discrimination subie par sa communauté. Comme de nombreux chiites, il a été confronté à des questions déplacées et haineuses sur ses pratiques religieuses. Ces interrogations, souvent fondées sur des stéréotypes faux et nuisibles, rappellent le préjugé enraciné dans certaines parties de la société.
Ce préjugé, alimenté par des discours extrémistes et haineux, a souvent dégénéré en violences meurtrières. Selon plusieurs organisations de défense des droits humains :
Depuis 2001, plus de 2 600 musulmans chiites ont été tués dans des attaques violentes au Pakistan.
Un rapport du Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) indique qu’entre 2013 et 2018, 815 des 2 099 personnes assassinées pour leur religion étaient chiites.
La violence est à la fois ciblée et généralisée. En 2013, une série d’attentats à Quetta, capitale du Baloutchistan, a tué plus de 250 chiites en quelques mois. En 2022, un attentat-suicide dans une mosquée chiite à Peshawar a fait au moins 61 morts.
Les accusations de blasphème sont utilisées comme outil de discrimination. En 2020, plus de 40 cas de blasphème ont été enregistrés contre des chiites après le mois de Muharram, dont le plus jeune accusé était un enfant de trois ans. Un rapport indique également que 70 % de tous les cas de blasphème en 2020 visaient des musulmans chiites.
Les leaders chiites et les intellectuels sont systématiquement ciblés. Cette violence inclut ce que l’on appelle “l’intellecticide” : une campagne de meurtres visant les médecins, ingénieurs, professeurs et autres professionnels chiites pour les exclure des postes d’autorité.
Malgré ces défis, Ali Raza Khan s’est engagé sans relâche à créer des ponts entre les communautés. Grâce à son travail avec des organisations telles que Chanan Development Association, Peace Direct et d’autres, il a formé des milliers de jeunes aux principes du dialogue et de la paix. Son engagement témoigne du pouvoir qu’un individu peut avoir pour bâtir une société plus tolérante et pacifique, même face à l’adversité.
Si vous souhaitez soutenir des initiatives de paix, vous pouvez en savoir plus sur AliRazaKhan.com.
امتیاز سے مکالمے تک: پاکستان میں ایک امن ساز کا سفر
علی رضا خان، جو کہ ملتان، پاکستان سے تعلق رکھنے والے ایک پرعزم امن ساز ہیں، ۲۰۱۵ سے فرقہ وارانہ تشدد اور امتیازی سلوک کے خلاف کام کر رہے ہیں، جو کئی دہائیوں سے ان کے ملک کو متاثر کر رہا ہے۔ شیعہ مسلم کمیونٹی کے رکن ہونے کے ناطے، علی نے اپنی ذاتی جدوجہد کو تبدیلی کی ایک طاقتور قوت میں بدل دیا ہے، اور ہزاروں نوجوانوں کو امن سازی اور انتہا پسندی کی روک تھام کی تربیت دی ہے۔
علی کا سفر اس امتیاز کی گہری سمجھ سے شروع ہوا جو ان کی کمیونٹی کو درپیش ہے۔ وہ، دیگر شیعہ مسلمانوں کی طرح، اپنے مذہبی عقائد کے بارے میں نامناسب اور نفرت انگیز سوالات کا سامنا کر چکے ہیں۔ یہ سوالات اکثر جھوٹے اور نقصان دہ تصورات پر مبنی ہوتے ہیں، جو معاشرے کے بعض حصوں میں موجود گہرے تعصب کی یاد دہانی ہیں۔
یہ تعصب، انتہا پسندانہ بیانیے اور نفرت انگیز تقریر سے بڑھ کر، اکثر مہلک تشدد میں بدل جاتا ہے۔ مختلف انسانی حقوق کی تنظیموں اور رپورٹس کے مطابق:
۲۰۰۱ سے اب تک پاکستان میں ۲۶۰۰ سے زائد شیعہ مسلمان پرتشدد حملوں میں مارے جا چکے ہیں۔
سنٹر فار ریسرچ اینڈ سیکیورٹی اسٹڈیز (سی آر ایس ایس) کی رپورٹ کے مطابق ۲۰۱۳ سے ۲۰۱۸ کے درمیان مذہب کی بنیاد پر قتل ہونے والے ۲۰۹۹ افراد میں سے ۸۱۵ شیعہ تھے۔
یہ تشدد مخصوص افراد کو نشانہ بنانے کے ساتھ ساتھ وسیع پیمانے پر بھی ہوا ہے۔ ۲۰۱۳ میں کوئٹہ میں بم دھماکوں کی ایک لہر نے چند ماہ میں ۲۵۰ سے زائد شیعہ مسلمانوں کو شہید کیا۔ ۲۰۲۲ میں پشاور کی ایک شیعہ مسجد میں خودکش حملے میں کم از کم ۶۱ افراد جاں بحق ہوئے۔
توہینِ مذہب کے الزامات امتیاز کا ایک ہتھیار بن چکے ہیں۔ ۲۰۲۰ میں محرم کے بعد شیعہ مسلمانوں کے خلاف ۴۰ سے زائد مقدمات درج کیے گئے، جن میں سب سے کم عمر ملزم تین سالہ بچہ تھا۔ ایک رپورٹ کے مطابق ۲۰۲۰ میں درج ہونے والے تمام توہینِ مذہب کے مقدمات میں سے ۷۰ فیصد شیعہ مسلمانوں کے خلاف تھے۔
شیعہ رہنماؤں اور تعلیم یافتہ افراد کو منظم طریقے سے نشانہ بنایا گیا ہے۔ اس تشدد میں “علم کشی” بھی شامل ہے، یعنی شیعہ ڈاکٹروں، انجینئروں، پروفیسروں اور دیگر پیشہ ور افراد کو قتل کر کے انہیں اثر و رسوخ کے عہدوں سے ہٹانے کی منظم مہم۔
ان چیلنجز کے باوجود، علی رضا خان نے کمیونٹیز کے درمیان پل بنانے کے لیے انتھک محنت کی ہے۔ چنان ڈیولپمنٹ ایسوسی ایشن، پیس ڈائریکٹ اور دیگر تنظیموں کے ساتھ کام کرتے ہوئے، انہوں نے ہزاروں نوجوانوں کو امن سازی اور مکالمے کے اصولوں کی تربیت دی ہے۔ ان کا کام اس بات کا ثبوت ہے کہ ایک فرد کی وابستگی ایک زیادہ برداشت اور پرامن معاشرے کی تشکیل میں کتنی طاقتور ہو سکتی ہے، چاہے حالات کتنے ہی مشکل کیوں نہ ہوں۔
اگر آپ امن سازی کی کوششوں کی حمایت میں دلچسپی رکھتے ہیں تو مزید معلومات کے alirazakhan.com لیے علی رضا خان کی ویب سائٹ ملاحظہ کریں ۔
Quel immense honneur ce fut de me tenir sur la scène de la Basel Pride 2025, le 28 juin, organisée par Baselticktbunt. Ce fut une journée remplie de célébration vibrante, mais aussi une plateforme cruciale pour des discussions profondes sur les droits humains et la lutte continue pour une véritable égalité. J’ai partagé la scène avec des personnalités remarquables : Conradin Cramer, Président du Conseil d’État et chef du Département présidentiel de Bâle-Ville ; Edibe Gölgeli, Membre du Grand Conseil de Bâle-Ville ; et Frank Lorenz, Pasteur et directeur de l’Église Ouverte Elisabethen.
L’introduction de l’hôte m’a sincèrement touché : “Veuillez accueillir notre prochain orateur, Ali Raza Khan. Ali est un militant des droits humains originaire de Multan, Pakistan, avec un accent fort sur la santé et les droits sexuels et reproductifs, la prévention du VIH et la paix. Il est le fondateur de PridePakistan.org et a travaillé avec de nombreuses organisations pour défendre les droits des communautés marginalisées. C’est un militant primé, un écrivain et une voix pour d’innombrables personnes. Il est également un demandeur d’asile gay et séropositif ici en Suisse, et il est là aujourd’hui pour partager son histoire. Veuillez accueillir chaleureusement et respectueusement Ali Raza Khan.”
Ce fut un moment d’immense fierté, mais aussi, comme je l’ai avoué dans mon discours, terrifiant. Les mots que j’ai partagés ce jour-là viennent d’une expérience personnelle profonde, un cheminement de la peur à une détermination féroce à défendre la justice.
Bonjour Bâle ! Joyeuse Pride !
J’ai commencé par remercier les organisateurs pour cette plateforme vitale, soulignant que si c’était un honneur, c’était aussi terrifiant. Mon identité, mise à nu sur cette scène, est complexe : un homme gay du Pakistan, un activiste, séropositif et vivant avec un syndrome de stress post-traumatique. Et surtout, je suis un demandeur d’asile dont la demande a été rejetée par le Secrétariat d’État aux migrations (SEM) suisse, qui estime qu’il est sûr pour moi de retourner au Pakistan – une conviction que je sais fausse.
Mon objectif était de faire comprendre pourquoi j’ai quitté ma maison, ce que j’espérais et la choquante réalité que j’ai rencontrée en tant que demandeur d’asile.
De l’ombre à la scène : Ma vie au Pakistan
Mon histoire commence à Multan, au Pakistan – la “ville des saints”, mais pour les personnes queer comme moi, une ville de vies cachées et de secrets. Pendant plus d’une décennie, je me suis consacré à l’activisme : construction de la paix, lutte contre la violence basée sur le genre et défense inlassable de la santé sexuelle et des droits de la communauté LGBTQI+. J’ai fondé Pride Pakistan et travaillé avec des organisations sur la prévention du VIH, une réalité qui fait partie de mon propre parcours. Mon CV est peut-être long et rempli de réalisations, mais il cache une vérité plus crue : une double vie. J’étais un activiste public, mais un homme gay caché. Au Pakistan, embrasser ouvertement mon identité était une impossibilité dangereuse.
Le danger n’était pas abstrait. Je me souviens d’une descente de police effrayante lors d’un rassemblement privé de la communauté gay, où nous avons été torturés, filmés et relâchés avec un avertissement glaçant. Un autre activiste, moins chanceux, a disparu pendant trois semaines après avoir été enlevé par une agence de sécurité armée, revenant brisé.
Mon propre activisme a entraîné des menaces constantes. Être gay, séropositif et oser signaler des violations des droits humains à l’ONU et à d’autres organismes internationaux, a conduit à des appels anonymes et à des tentatives de piratage persistantes. Ma vie était remplie d’abus : rapports sexuels forcés sous la menace de révélation, chantage et abus émotionnels et physiques de la part d’un partenaire, sans possibilité de signaler aux autorités en tant qu’homme gay. Ma famille, dans une tentative malavisée de me “réparer”, m’a forcé à un mariage traumatisant qui s’est terminé rapidement.
Je vivais avec un syndrome de stress post-traumatique bien avant de savoir ce que c’était, croyant que la panique constante et la menace d’arrestation ou de mort faisaient simplement “partie du travail”. Mais j’étais brisé. J’ai fui le Pakistan non seulement pour sauver ma vie, mais pour sauver mon âme.
L’illusion du refuge : Mon expérience d’asile
Je suis venu en Suisse en quête de refuge, un mot qui promet abri et protection. Je croyais en la promesse des droits humains, en particulier pour les personnes LGBTQI+ vulnérables. Ce que j’ai trouvé fut un autre type de traumatisme au sein du processus d’asile.
Ma première “maison” à Bâle était un bunker souterrain – sans fenêtres, sans lumière du soleil et sans sécurité incendie adéquate. Logé avec des dizaines d’autres hommes, hétérosexuels et parfois violents, j’ai été témoin de bagarres et de sang. Les conditions insalubres et le manque de dignité humaine fondamentale étaient choquants. Ceci, ai-je expliqué, est la réalité des demandeurs d’asile masculins célibataires, quelle que soit leur orientation sexuelle. Votre humanité vous est arrachée à la porte. J’ai vu d’autres hommes gays dans des camps fédéraux, fuyant la persécution comme moi, entassés à 20 dans une pièce sans espace personnel.
La guerre psychologique du système est insidieuse. Les transferts constants et inexpliqués d’un camp à l’autre ne sont pas de la simple bureaucratie ; ce sont des outils délibérés pour briser les esprits et obliger les gens à abandonner. Ma santé physique et psychologique était secondaire. Même avec un diagnostic de syndrome de stress post-traumatique complexe, obtenir des rendez-vous pour une thérapie est une bataille constante et épuisante. Accéder à mes médicaments vitaux contre le VIH était un combat rempli de retards et de peur. J’ai vu des femmes saigner et de jeunes garçons blessés ne recevoir rien de plus qu’un chiffon propre.
L’aspect le plus cruel est peut-être le processus juridique. Le représentant légal fourni par le SEM est un fantôme, un visage différent à chaque fois, un étranger le jour de votre entretien de vie ou de mort, puis parti. Et l’entretien lui-même est un abus. La transcription officielle de mon entretien, l’histoire de ma vie et de mon traumatisme, a été modifiée. Des déclarations que j’ai faites ont été changées, des choses ajoutées que je n’ai jamais dites, sans aucun moyen de le prouver.
Le SEM a affirmé que le Pakistan est sûr pour les personnes gays, faisant référence à une organisation qui a été fermée il y a des années, dont le personnel a fui et a trouvé protection ailleurs. Ils ont affirmé que parce que j’étais venu en avion, je n’étais pas en assez grand danger – peut-être voulaient-ils que je sois arrêté à l’aéroport, ou que je risque de me noyer en Méditerranée, pour que ma demande soit valide. Concernant mon SSPT, ils ont affirmé que ce n’était pas “assez de traumatisme”, suggérant que je pourrais me faire soigner au Pakistan. Mais le “traitement” là-bas vise à “guérir” mon identité, pas à prendre soin de ma personne, reflétant les tentatives de “cure” religieuse de ma famille.
L’asile ici n’est pas simplement défaillant ; il est activement hostile. Il demande : “Êtes-vous assez gay ? Êtes-vous assez traumatisé ? Avez-vous été suffisamment torturé ?” pour mériter protection. J’ai vu d’innombrables personnes LGBTQI+ recevoir des décisions négatives, être renvoyées dans des pays où elles sont confrontées à l’arrestation, à la violence ou à la mort. Le système d’immigration suisse ne considère pas l’arrestation pour homosexualité comme suffisamment préjudiciable.
L’espoir est en vous
Mais je ne suis pas venu pour dire qu’il n’y a pas d’espoir. Il y en a. Je l’ai ressenti de la part des bénévoles dévoués de Queer Amnesty, de Christian Waffenschmidt et Miroslav Ostojic, qui m’ont aidé à comprendre mes droits et l’importance de mon entretien. J’ai vu cet espoir dans le travail d’autres organisations caritatives soutenant les réfugiés.
L’espoir, ai-je déclaré, n’est pas dans le système, mais en nous : les bénévoles et les demandeurs d’asile eux-mêmes.
À la Basel Pride, nous célébrons la liberté, mais nous devons aussi nous battre pour elle. J’ai exhorté le public à voir au-delà de l’image polie de la Suisse. Questionnez le récit officiel. Demandez à vos représentants pourquoi le SEM opère avec une telle impunité, modifiant les transcriptions, ignorant les preuves, détruisant des vies et mentant dans les documents officiels.
J’ai imploré les gens de faire du bénévolat. Inscrivez-vous au programme de mentorat de Queer Amnesty. Votre empathie, votre temps et votre compréhension de ce pays sont une bouée de sauvetage pour les réfugiés queer qui sont perdus, effrayés et seuls. Vous pouvez fournir le soutien par les pairs dont des personnes comme moi ont désespérément besoin.
Enfin, j’ai souligné que votre Pride est politique. La Pride a commencé comme une émeute, une protestation contre un système qui cherchait à nous maintenir dans l’ombre. Ce combat est loin d’être terminé. Il se déroule en ce moment même, dans les bunkers d’asile souterrains, dans les salles d’entretien du SEM et dans le cœur de ceux à qui on dit que leur traumatisme n’est pas “suffisant”.
Mon histoire, ai-je souligné, n’est pas unique. D’innombrables autres sont ici, vos voisins vivant dans les camps d’asile et de réfugiés de Bâle, même si vous ne les voyez pas.
La véritable Pride n’est pas seulement une célébration ; c’est un combat. C’est le combat pour la personne dans le bunker ce soir qui a peur de dormir. C’est le combat pour la lesbienne d’Ouganda qui a reçu une décision négative, la personne trans du Pérou qui est expulsée, et l’homme gay du Pakistan, comme moi, qui poursuit une bataille juridique.
Il n’y a pas de fierté pour quiconque tant qu’il n’y a pas de liberté, de dignité et de sécurité pour tous.
Merci de votre attention, et merci de faire partie de ce combat vital. Vous pouvez en savoir plus sur mes expériences et mon plaidoyer ici sur mon site web, AliRazaKhan.com.
What an incredible honor it was to stand on the stage at Basel Pride 2025 on June 28th, organized by Baselticktbunt. It was a day filled with vibrant celebration, but also a crucial platform for profound discussions on human rights and the ongoing fight for true equality. I shared the stage with remarkable individuals: Conradin Cramer, President of the Government and Head of the Presidential Department Basel-City; Edibe Gölgeli, Member of the Basel-Stadt Grand Council; and Frank Lorenz, Pastor and head of the Elisabethen Open Church.
The introduction by the host truly touched me: “Please welcome our next speaker, Ali Raza Khan. Ali is a human rights activist from Multan, Pakistan, with a powerful focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, HIV prevention, and peace. He is the founder of PridePakistan.org and has worked with numerous organizations to champion the rights of marginalized communities. He is an award-winning activist, a writer, and a voice for countless people. He is also a gay, HIV-positive asylum seeker here in Switzerland, and he is here today to share his story. Please give a warm and respectful welcome to Ali Raza Khan.”
It was a moment of immense pride, but also, as I confessed in my speech, terrifying. The words I shared that day come from a place of deep personal experience, a journey from fear to a fierce determination to advocate for justice.
Happy Pride!
I began by acknowledging the organizers for this vital platform, emphasizing that while it was an honor, it was also terrifying. My identity, laid bare on that stage, is complex: a gay man from Pakistan, an activist, HIV positive, and living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. And critically, I am an asylum seeker whose application has been rejected by the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), who believe it is safe for me to return to Pakistan – a belief I know to be untrue.
My aim was to shed light on why I left my home, what I hoped for, and the shocking reality I’ve encountered as an asylum seeker.
From Shadows to the Stage: My Life in Pakistan
My story starts in Multan, Pakistan – the “city of saints,” but for queer individuals like me, a city of hidden lives and secrets. For over a decade, I dedicated myself to activism: peace-building, fighting gender-based violence, and tirelessly advocating for the sexual health and rights of the LGBTQI+ community. I founded Pride Pakistan and worked with organizations on HIV prevention, a reality that is part of my own journey. My CV may be long and filled with achievements, but it masks a starker truth: a double life. I was a public activist, but a hidden gay man. In Pakistan, openly embracing my identity was a dangerous impossibility.
The danger was not abstract. I recalled a harrowing police raid on a private gay community gathering, where we were tortured, filmed, and released with a chilling warning. A fellow activist, less fortunate, disappeared for three weeks after being picked up by an armed security agency, returning a broken man.
My own activism led to constant threats. Being gay, HIV positive, and daring to report human rights violations to the UN and other international bodies, led to anonymous calls and persistent hacking attempts. My life was filled with abuse: forced sex under threat of exposure, blackmail, and emotional and physical abuse from a partner, with no avenue for reporting to authorities due as a gay man. My family, in a misguided attempt to “fix” me, forced me into a traumatic marriage that ended quickly.
I was living with PTSD long before I knew what it was, believing constant panic and the threat of arrest or death were just “part of the job.” But I was broken. I fled Pakistan not just to save my life, but to save my soul.
The Illusion of Refuge: My Asylum Experience
I came to Switzerland seeking refuge, a word that promises shelter and protection. I believed in the promise of human rights, particularly for vulnerable LGBTQI+ individuals. What I found was a different kind of trauma within the asylum process.
My first “home” in Basel was an underground bunker – windowless, sunless, and lacking proper fire safety. Housed with dozens of other men, both straight and sometimes violent, I witnessed fights and blood. The unsanitary conditions and lack of basic human dignity were shocking. This, I explained, is the reality for single male asylum seekers, regardless of their sexual orientation. Your humanity is stripped away at the door. I saw other gay men in federal camps, fleeing persecution like me, crammed 20 to a room with no personal space.
The system’s psychological warfare is insidious. Constant, unexplained transfers from one camp to another are not just bureaucracy; they are a deliberate tool to break spirits and compel people to give up. My physical and psychological health were afterthoughts. Even with a diagnosis of complex PTSD, securing therapy appointments is an exhausting battle. Accessing life-saving HIV medication was a fight fraught with delays and fear. I’ve witnessed women bleeding and injured young boys receiving nothing more than a cleaning cloth.
Perhaps the most cruel aspect is the legal process. The legal representative provided by the SEM is a phantom, a different face each time, a stranger on the day of your life-or-death interview, then gone. And the interview itself is an abuse. My official transcript, the story of my life and trauma, was altered. Statements I made were changed, things added that I never said, with no way to prove it.
The Harsh Reality: “Are You Gay Enough? Traumatized Enough?”
My decision: Negative.
The SEM claimed Pakistan is safe for gay people, referencing an organization that was shut down years ago, whose staff fled and found protection elsewhere. They asserted that because I traveled by plane, I wasn’t in enough danger – perhaps they wanted me to be arrested at the airport, or risk drowning in the Mediterranean, for my claim to be valid. On my PTSD, they claimed it wasn’t “enough trauma,” suggesting I could get treatment in Pakistan. But the “treatment” there aims to “cure” my identity, not care for my person, mirroring my family’s attempts at religious “cures.”
Asylum here is not merely broken; it is actively hostile. It asks, “Are you gay enough? Are you traumatized enough? Have you been tortured enough?” to deserve protection. I have seen countless LGBTQI+ individuals receive negative decisions, deported back to countries where they face arrest, violence, or death. The Swiss immigration system does not consider being arrested for being gay harmful enough.
The Hope is in You
But I did not come to say there is no hope. There is. I’ve felt it from the dedicated volunteers at Queer Amnesty, from Christian Waffenschmidt and Miroslav Ostojic, who helped me understand my rights and the importance of my interview. I’ve seen this hope in the work of other charity organizations supporting refugees.
The hope, I declared, is not in the system, but in us: the volunteers and the asylum seekers themselves.
At Basel Pride, we celebrate freedom, but we must also fight for it. I urged the audience to see beyond the polished image of Switzerland. Question the official narrative. Ask your representatives why the SEM operates with such impunity, altering transcripts, ignoring evidence, destroying lives, and lying in official documents.
I implored people to volunteer. Sign up for Queer Amnesty’s mentorship program. Your empathy, time, and understanding of this country are a lifeline for queer refugees who are lost, scared, and alone. You can provide the peer support people like me desperately need.
Finally, I stressed that your Pride is political. Pride began as a riot, a protest against a system that sought to keep us in the shadows. That fight is far from over. It is happening right now, in the asylum bunkers underground, in the interview rooms at the SEM, and in the hearts of those told their trauma isn’t “enough.”
My story, I emphasized, is not unique. Countless others are here, your neighbors living in Basel asylum and refugee camps, though you may not see them.
True Pride is not just a celebration; it is a fight. It is the fight for the person in the bunker tonight afraid to sleep. It is the fight for the lesbian from Uganda who received a negative decision, the trans person from Peru who faces deportation, and the gay man from Pakistan, like me, who continues a legal battle.
There is no pride for anyone until there is freedom, dignity, and safety for everyone.
Thank you for listening, and thank you for being a part of this vital fight. You can read more about my experiences and advocacy here on my website, AliRazaKhan.com.
Je suis incroyablement honoré et enthousiaste d’annoncer que je serai l’un des orateurs lors de la Pride Walk du festival Basel tickt bunt ! le samedi 28 juin 2025. La devise de cette année, « Queer Rights are Human Rights » (Les droits des personnes queer sont des droits humains), résonne profondément en moi et dans mon travail, et j’ai hâte de me tenir à vos côtés en signe de solidarité.
Le festival Basel tickt bunt ! prend une position essentielle contre les attaques politiques croissantes visant les personnes LGBTQIA+ dans le monde entier. C’est un appel puissant à l’action, nous rappelant que, plus que jamais, nous devons nous unir pour défendre les droits humains fondamentaux pour toutes et tous, partout.
Comme beaucoup d’entre vous le savent, mon parcours d’activiste a commencé en 2015. En tant que jeune réfugié gay séropositif du Pakistan, j’ai consacré ma vie à plaider pour la santé et les droits sexuels et reproductifs, la prévention du VIH/SIDA et la consolidation de la paix au sein des communautés gays et queer. J’ai eu le privilège de travailler avec de nombreuses organisations – locales, nationales et internationales – toutes œuvrant pour les droits des personnes gays vivant avec le VIH et d’autres communautés vulnérables.
Actuellement, je dirige la campagne et le réseau Pride Pakistan, qui se concentrent sur les droits et l’autonomisation de la communauté LGBTQI+ pakistanaise. À l’échelle mondiale, je suis membre de la Délégation des Communautés au conseil d’administration du Fonds mondial de lutte contre le sida, la tuberculose et le paludisme et co-responsable de The Youth PACT, qui travaillent tous deux sans relâche pour prévenir le VIH et le sida chez les personnes gays et d’autres populations clés vulnérables. Mes efforts ont été reconnus par le Youth Leadership Award 2021 et le HIV HERO Award 2021 décernés par APCOM, ce qui renforce encore mon engagement.
La lutte pour les droits des personnes queer est inextricablement liée à la lutte plus large pour les droits humains. Lorsque les droits fondamentaux d’un groupe sont menacés, cela diminue la liberté et la dignité de chacun de nous. Mon discours à la Basel Pride sera l’occasion d’amplifier ce message, de partager mes expériences et d’appeler à une action continue et à l’alliance.
Détails de l’événement : Rejoignez-nous !
Voici les informations essentielles pour participer à la Pride Walk :
Date : Samedi 28 juin 2025
Point de rencontre : Theodorsgraben, dans le parc à côté de la Wettsteinplatz, 4058 Bâle
Heure :
Rassemblement : 15h30
Discours : vers 16h00 (je parlerai vers cette heure-là !)
Je suis particulièrement heureux que les discours soient traduits en langue des signes, garantissant ainsi que notre message atteigne un public encore plus large.
Rejoignez-moi, ainsi que les autres orateurs Conradin Cramer, Edibe Gölgeli et Frank Lorenz, alors que nous marcherons à travers Bâle, envoyant un signal clair et visible pour les droits humains et la diversité. Faisons entendre nos voix et unissons-nous pour un monde où « Queer Rights are Human Rights » n’est pas seulement une devise, mais une réalité vécue par toutes et tous.
Es ist mir eine unglaubliche Ehre und Freude bekannt zu geben, dass ich am Samstag, den 28. Juni 2025, als Redner beim Pride Walk des Basel tickt bunt! Festivals dabei sein werde. Das diesjährige Motto, „Queer Rights are Human Rights“, deckt sich zutiefst mit meiner Arbeit und mir, und ich kann es kaum erwarten, gemeinsam mit euch allen Solidarität zu zeigen.
Das Basel tickt bunt! Festival setzt ein entscheidendes Zeichen gegen die zunehmenden politischen Angriffe auf LGBTQIA+-Menschen weltweit. Es ist ein kraftvoller Aufruf zum Handeln, der uns daran erinnert, dass wir jetzt mehr denn je zusammenstehen müssen, um grundlegende Menschenrechte für jeden, überall, zu verteidigen.
Wie viele von euch wissen, begann mein Aktivismus im Jahr 2015. Als junger, HIV-positiver schwuler Flüchtling aus Pakistan habe ich mein Leben der Interessenvertretung für sexuelle und reproduktive Gesundheit und Rechte, der HIV/AIDS-Prävention und der Friedensförderung innerhalb der schwulen und queeren Gemeinschaften gewidmet. Ich hatte das Privileg, mit zahlreichen lokalen, nationalen und internationalen Organisationen zusammenzuarbeiten, die sich alle für die Rechte von schwulen Menschen mit HIV und anderen gefährdeten Gemeinschaften einsetzen.
Derzeit leite ich die Kampagne und das Netzwerk Pride Pakistan, das sich auf die Rechte und die Stärkung der pakistanischen LGBTQI+-Gemeinschaft konzentriert. Auf globaler Ebene bin ich Mitglied der Communities’ Delegation im Vorstand des Globalen Fonds zur Bekämpfung von HIV, Tuberkulose und Malaria und Co-Leiter von The Youth PACT, die beide unermüdlich daran arbeiten, HIV und AIDS unter schwulen und anderen Schlüsselpopulationen zu verhindern. Meine Bemühungen wurden mit dem Youth Leadership Award 2021 und dem HIV HERO Award 2021 von APCOM ausgezeichnet, was mein Engagement zusätzlich beflügelt.
Der Kampf für die Rechte von Queers ist untrennbar mit dem umfassenderen Kampf für Menschenrechte verbunden. Wenn die Grundrechte einer Gruppe bedroht sind, schmälert dies die Freiheit und Würde von uns allen. Meine Rede bei der Basel Pride wird eine Gelegenheit sein, diese Botschaft zu verstärken, meine Erfahrungen zu teilen und zu weiterem Handeln und Solidarität aufzurufen.
Veranstaltungsdetails: Seid dabei!
Hier sind die wichtigsten Informationen, um am Pride Walk teilzunehmen:
Datum: Samstag, 28. Juni 2025
Treffpunkt: Theodorsgraben, im Park neben dem Wettsteinplatz, 4058 Basel
Zeit:
Treffen: 15:30 Uhr
Reden: ca. 16:00 Uhr (Ich werde etwa um diese Zeit sprechen!)
Es freut mich besonders, dass die Reden in Gebärdensprache übersetzt werden, um sicherzustellen, dass unsere Botschaft ein noch breiteres Publikum erreicht.
Kommt zusammen mit den weiteren Rednern Conradin Cramer, Edibe Gölgeli und Frank Lorenz, wenn wir durch Basel marschieren und ein klares und sichtbares Zeichen für Menschenrechte und Vielfalt setzen. Lasst uns unsere Stimmen erheben und gemeinsam für eine Welt eintreten, in der “Queer Rights are Human Rights” nicht nur ein Motto, sondern eine gelebte Realität für alle ist.
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!)
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.
In this year’s blog series, we present the writings of Hivpoint’s Health Buddies 2024 in which they reflect on their own journey in promoting sexual health.Health Buddies spread knowledge about sexual rights and sexual health including HIV and other STIs in migrant and refugee communities. Let us present to you our wonderful Health Buddy Ali Raza Khan.
I am Ali Raza Khan, an HIV positive gay activist from Pakistan and a refugee in Finland. In Pakistan, working for gay rights and HIV awareness comes with significant risks.
As an activist and the founder of PridePakistan.org, I faced constant threats and discrimination with increasing conservative societal norms and legal challenges. It was dangerous to advocate openly for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of gay men.
If you are an HIV positive refugee in Finland, it’s important that you have access to essential healthcare and support services. I have written down some key points to help you navigate through possible challenges you might face.
My journey from Pakistan to Finland was not easy but Hivpoint’s Health Buddy program helped me to continue working for HIV positive community members in Finland. That is why I created this little guide based on my experience for HIV positive refugees in Finland.
1. Disclosure of HIV Status to Authorities
As a refugee, you should disclose your HIV status at your first interaction with authorities even though you might feel afraid because of discrimination or stigma.
It is essential to tell about your HIV status so your treatment will continue or it will be started as soon as possible.
I have learned that when you talk about HIV status at one immigration camp, the information is not shared to other staff members. That is why you have to tell about your HIV status in each new camp.
2. Get Connected to Hivpoint and Positiiviset ry HivFinland
People living with HIV do not have to deal only with HIV but also with societal and internal stigma. Therefore, it is vital to tell the authorities and your nurse if you have psychological needs.
Hivpoint and Positiiviset both have regular activities and program for people living with HIV. There you can meet with other HIV positive individuals to discuss everyday things. I find peer support very helpful during my process.
As an HIV positive individual, I always wanted to discuss HIV related issues with other people living with HIV. Peer support has helped me dealing with internal and societal stigma.
At the street chalk event 2024 organized by Positiiviset ry, Ali draws and makes art about human rights, equality and hope.
3. Getting tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Even if your HIV is undetectable, you can still get other STIs when having sex. Ask your nurse or doctor to get tested for STIs. It would be good to get tested if you’ve had unprotected sex (sex without condom or dental dam) or condom has broken.
You could get tested for STIs at Hivpoint’s free and confidential STI testing services. In addition, Pro-tukipiste offers services for those who are selling sexual services.
Apart from getting essential health and HIV services on time, you might also have some other needs. You can get help from Hivpoint and other associations.
Hivpoint is offering counselling and leisure activities for people living with HIV, and those can keep you to engage in healthy way on ground. In addition, you can participate in Positiiviset gatherings and activities for HIV positive people.
Who to contact?
You can join Pride Helsinki community’s closed refugee support groups. There you will get connected to other queer refugees in Finland and participate in queer and LGBTQI+ events.
It is crucial for your physical and mental health to continue your HIV treatment without a gap. In addition, it would be good for you to participate in association activities. It will help your mental health during the long process of your refugee hearings.
Whether you are in a big city or in distant area it is essential to contact with Hivpoint and other associations. You could do it online or face to face. If you came to Finland alone, you don’t have to be alone anymore.
Via these platforms mentioned above you can find similar people who can understand you. I recommend that you never hesitate to contact and get help from Hivpoint.
Ali visiting Hivpoint´s office at Kalasatama 2024.
Ali Raza Khan The writer is one of Hivpoint’s Health Buddies 2024
The orginal article is posted on Hivpoint.fi website, read more on their website here:
In this year’s blog series, we present the writings of Hivpoint’s Health Buddies 2024 in which they reflect on their own journey in promoting sexual health.
Health Buddies spread knowledge about sexual rights and sexual health, including HIV and other STIs, in migrant and refugee communities. Let us present to you our wonderful Health Buddy Ali Raza Khan.
My name is Ali Raza Khan, and I am an HIV-positive gay activist from Pakistan. My journey from Pakistani society to Finnish society has been one important chapter of my life.
As the founder of Pride Pakistan, I have been advocating for the health and rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly gay men in Pakistan. However, due to threats to my life and discrimination based on my HIV status, I sought refuge in Finland where I am continuing my activism.
Refugees’ access to HIV, STI and SRHR services in Finland
Upon arriving in Finland, I found myself in a refugee center in a few days. There I first heard about Hivpoint, an organization dedicated to HIV awareness, advocacy, and sexual and reproductive health and rights in Finland.
One of Hivpoint’s volunteers was sharing informative pamphlets which motivated me to continue my HIV and SRHR advocacy work here in Finland. I also realized the gaps that refugees face in accessing HIV, other STI and SRHR services in Finland, particularly living away from major towns.
Health Buddy program helped me to overcome internal Discrimination and Trauma
Determined to continue my activism, I applied and got accepted to the Health Buddy program at Hivpoint. The program provided me with an opportunity to continue working openly for the rights and health of gay men.
Coming from a conservative society where I had to be cautious about everything I said and did, the Health Buddy program had a positive impact on my mental health.
It provided me an opportunity to exercise my HIV identity and gender expression openly in a new society.
The most important thing in the Health Buddy program was that I was doing activities with the support and assistance of Finnish expert colleagues that have been working for broader SRHR issues in Finland for years.
Learnings and experiences from organizing Health Buddy workshops
As a part of the Health Buddy program, I have organized more than five online and live discussions focusing on HIV, other STIs and SRHR awareness. There have been more than 50 people from diverse backgrounds participating in those sessions. This experience was very helpful for me to move ahead in my career path in a new country.
Through the Health Buddy training and interaction with participants of my sessions, I came across various perspectives of queer individuals, refugees, South Asians, students, and others regarding HIV and SRHR in Finland.
Through these workshops, I increased knowledge on safer sex, awareness of HIV and other STIs, consent, sexual rights and gender identity. In addition, I shared information about the availability of treatments and services related to STIs, PEP, PrEP, and contraceptives.
In the workshops, the participants got to know different condoms, lubricants and dental dams.
During the workshops, I realized that especially refugee community members still don’t have access to necessary basic information about HIV, other STIs, testing and treatment.
My message is to continue speaking about HIV
Despite the advancements and availability of HIV treatment, there is still stigma and discrimination towards HIV-positive individuals. It often leads to HIV-positive people not sharing their experiences or speaking about HIV with their communities.
It is crucial to continue speaking, sharing information and awareness about HIV, other STIs and LGBTQIA+ communities to end this stigma.
Ali Raza Khan The writer is one of Hivpoint’s Health Buddies 2024.
Ali Raza Khan, an HIV-positive gay activist from Pakistan, shares their journey as a Health Buddy 2024.
Recently Asia Pacific Coalition of Men Having Sex with Men or APCOM had asked me for small interview on World AIDS Day 2024. Below is my discussion with them.
Brief bio of yourself
Ali Raza Khan is a young HIV positive gay activist from Pakistan working for the community since 2015, focused on SRHR, HIV, AIDS prevention and peace. He has worked with multiple local, national & international organizations for the rights of people living with HIV, Men having sex with men and gays. As founder Pride Pakistan he is currently working for men having sex with men gay and other queer community in Pakistan. He is serving as member Communities’ delegation to the board of the Global Fund, member UNAIDS Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 targets and co-lead partnership in The PACT. He is laureate HIV HERO Award 2021 by APCOM.
A quotation on the theme of this year’s WAD theme and what it means to you and your community
For me and my gay community, taking a right path is a path of decriminalizing men having sex with men and gay people in Pakistan. It is the only and one path that can help to eradicate new HIV infections and achieve UNAIDS 95 95 95 goal.
Please answer the following questions (try to stick to two paragraphs):
1 – What is the situation of people living with HIV in your country?
People living with HIV in Pakistan are facing enormous challenges due to slow progress towards reducing stigma and discrimination during treatment when visiting health care facilities. People from men having sex with men community and gay have to face it worse way as they have to get denial of treatments, discrimination from health care providers when accessing their HIV health care services. We hear on daily basis the special HIV clinics councilors rather than providing counseling on HIV treatment use derogatory remarks each time any HIV positive individual from MSM and gay community visit them. Due to denial of treatment to HIV community members I estimate hundreds of community members have died so far. Apart from this many other community members are unable to bear stigma and psychological torture from government health care facilities resulting in increase in lost to follow up.
It not only is coming from health care providers only but from work spaces, society and other day to day interactions. We are seeing even key population members held in prison being raped and killed. (1) It becomes more traumatizing for gay community and male sex workers that are unable to openly show their identities in public forums online due to torture and arrest from security agencies torturing gay people on online gay platforms and on ground.
On the other hand, there are increases in new HIV cases due to deteriorating health care system and pressure on healthcare facilities. Quack doctors also contributing into this along with societal practices. We see new and new outbreaks of HIV infections in general public. Such as a few days ago in Multan home town hospital dozens of kidney patients got HIV during negligence in dialysis treatment. (2)
The overall there is huge societal stigma and discrimination based on criminalizing laws all contributing towards increased cases of HIV infections in MSM and gay community. That is why I believe decriminalization of same sex and gay community is the only solution to curb the new HIV infections and achieve 95 95 95 targets.
2 – What and how are you/your organization doing to address these challenges?
We are working on empowering community by raising awareness around MSM & Gay community issues and providing capacity building trainings around their health and rights. We have been organizing focus groups discussions, safe space gathering and capacity building sessions benefiting thousands of people so far.
We are doing advocacy online and offline for the rights of men having sex with men and gay people. We are working with partners global to use diplomatic voice and influence to work around decriminalizing. It is important to bring the voice of gay community members on spotlight and in visibility that never gets highlighted despite the fact that MSM and gay people are one of the most vulnerable key populations.
3 – What support do you/your organization need?
With decreasing funding for community work and restrictions and crack down by authorities for organizations working for men having sex with men, gay and queer community it is becoming difficult for gay organizations to operate. Our organization is also struggling with sustainable funds for the running cost of our functions and salaries. Making most of our members working on volunteer basis. We need essential running cost to ensure uninterrupted work for our Pride Pakistan community.
4 – Anything else you wish to add?
I believe the work we are doing for capacity building and empowerment of men having sex with men and gay people is difficult with a lot of hurdles coming ahead on our way but we will continue to do so because that is the rights path. I wish one day other stakeholders and the government will also be able to take that rights path.
Contributor: Ali Raza Khan HIV HERO Award recipient 2021
Ali Raza Khan is a young HIV positive gay activist from Pakistan working for the community since 2015, focused on SRHR, HIV, AIDS prevention and peace. He has worked with multiple local, national and international organizations for the rights of people living with HIV, men having sex with men and gays. As a founder of Pride Pakistan, he is currently working for men having sex with men gay and other queer communities in Pakistan. He is serving as member Communities’ delegation to the board of the Global Fund, member UNAIDS Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 targets and co-lead partnership in The PACT. He is the winner of the HIV HERO Award 2021 by APCOM.
What is the situation of people living with HIV in your country?
People living with HIV in Pakistan are facing enormous challenges due to slow progress towards reducing stigma and discrimination during treatment when visiting health care facilities. People from the group of men having sex with men and gay community have to face it in a worse way as they have to get denial of treatments, discrimination from health care providers when accessing their HIV health care services. On a daily basis, the special HIV clinics councilors rather than providing counseling on HIV treatment use derogatory remarks each time any HIV positive individual from MSM and gay community visits them. Due to denial of treatment to HIV community members, I estimate hundreds of community members have died so far. Apart from this, many other community members are unable to bear stigma and psychological torture from government health care facilities resulting in increase in lost to follow up.
It not only is coming from health care providers only, but also from work spaces, society and other day to day interactions. We are seeing even key population members held in prison being raped and killed.
1. It becomes more traumatizing for gay community and male sex workers that are unable to openly show their identities in public forums online due to torture and arrest from security agencies torturing gay people on online gay platforms and on ground.
On the other hand, there are increases in new HIV cases due to deteriorating health care systems and pressure on healthcare facilities. Quack doctors also contribute to this along with societal practices. We see new and new outbreaks of HIV infections in the general public. Such as a few days ago in Multan home town hospital dozens of kidney patients got HIV during negligence in dialysis treatment.
2. Overall there is huge societal stigma and discrimination based on criminalizing laws all contributing towards increased cases of HIV infections in MSM and gay community. That is why I believe decriminalization of the same sex and gay community is the only solution to curb the new HIV infections and achieve 95 95 95 targets.
What and how are you/your organization doing to address these challenges?
We are working on empowering the community by raising awareness around men having sex with men and gay community issues and providing capacity building training around their health and rights. We have been organizing focus groups discussions, safe space gathering and capacity building sessions benefiting thousands of people so far.
We are doing advocacy online and offline for the rights of men having sex with men and gay people. We are working with partners globally to use diplomatic voice and influence to work around decriminalization. It is important to bring the voice of gay community members to the spotlight and in visibility that never gets highlighted, despite the fact that men having sex with men and gay people are one of the most vulnerable key populations.
What support do you/your organization need?
With decreasing funding for community work and restrictions and crack down by authorities for organizations working for men having sex with men, gay and queer communities, it is becoming difficult for gay organizations to operate. Our organization is also struggling with sustainable funds for the running cost of our functions and salaries. Making most of our members working on a volunteer basis. We need essential running costs to ensure uninterrupted work for our Pride Pakistan community.
Anything else you wish to add?
I believe the work we are doing for capacity building and empowerment of men having sex with men and gay people is difficult with a lot of hurdles coming ahead on our way but we will continue to do so because that is the right path. I wish one day other stakeholders and the government will also be able to take that right path. If you want to support my work feel free to reach me through AliRazakhan.com
Read the article on Asia Pacific Coalition of Men Having Sex with Men APCOM Website Here
Ali Raza Khan, a renowned HIV positive gay activist, will be delivering an online awareness session as part of the HIVPoint.fi Health Buddy 2024 volunteer program. This crucial event is organized in collaboration with UnitedVision.fi and aims to educate and empower individuals about HIV.
Join the session on October 17, 2024, at 14:00 (EEST) via Google Meet. (https://meet.google.com/xzv-gdko-ynv) During the session, participants will learn essential facts about HIV transmission, prevention, testing, and the available treatments in Finland that can help stop the spread of the virus. This safe space for discussion will be led by Health Buddy Ali Raza Khan, who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the cause.
Ali Raza Khan has been a tireless advocate for the rights of men having sex with men, gay people, sex workers, and other HIV key populations both in Pakistan and globally. His dedication to raising awareness and supporting affected communities has made a significant impact worldwide.
Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge. Whether you’re looking to learn for yourself or to support others, this session is for everyone!
For more details and updates, visit AliRazaKhan.com blogs sesction and follow Ali Raza Khan’s social media by supporting his continued efforts in advocating for a healthier, more informed community.
Munich, Germany – At the AIDS 2024 conference, Ali Raza Khan, founder of Pride Pakistan, delivered a compelling speech on the intersection of climate change and its effects on people living with HIV, gay men, and men who have sex with men (MSM). His presentation highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on these vulnerable communities, particularly in Pakistan.
The Devastating Effects of Floods in South Punjab
In 2024, more than 100 people have died due to flood-related atrocities in Pakistan. Ali Raza Khan, hailing from South Punjab, one of the most affected regions, shared his personal experiences and the struggles faced by his community. He emphasized that the gay community members in Pakistan are significantly impacted by the changing climate, including extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and increased water pollution.
Watch The Recording Below
Ali Raza Khan founder Pride Pakistan spoke about climate and effect on people living with HIV, gays and men having sex with men during the AIDS 2024 conference in Munich.
Community Insights and Statistics
Khan presented data from studies conducted by Pride Pakistan, available on their website PridePakistan.org. He focused on the flood aspects, revealing that in the past five years, 100% of the community members surveyed reported being affected by flooding or heavy rainfall. This statistic underscores the pervasive nature of climate-related challenges in the region.
When asked about their concerns regarding climate change, 82% of the community members expressed that they believe climate change has a significant impact on their lives. Only 17% did not consider it a priority. Furthermore, 100% of the respondents acknowledged that climate change poses a threat to their health and well-being.
Beyond Climate: Additional Challenges
Khan also highlighted other pressing issues in Pakistan, such as terrorist activities and conflicts in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), which cover more than 70% of Pakistan’s geographical area. These areas have limited healthcare services, exacerbating the struggles faced by the communities. For instance, in Balochistan, only one community-based organization serves a vast area, and access to services is further hindered by floods and security issues.
Resilience and Adaptation
Despite these challenges, the community continues to show resilience. In Pakistan, where gay men and MSM are criminalized, community services and healthcare remain crucial. Young people are actively engaged in mitigation measures, such as plantation projects, to counter the impacts of climate change. The community is also collaborating with stakeholders to ensure inclusive efforts for those living with HIV, gay men, and MSM.
Khan concluded his speech by emphasizing the need for continued adaptation to the changing climate. He called for greater support and collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges faced by these vulnerable communities.
Ali Raza Khan’s speech at the AIDS 2024 conference serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. His insights highlight the resilience and determination of these communities in the face of adversity. For more detailed information and studies, visit AliRazaKhan.com and PridePakistan.org.
Civil society has always been at the center of emergencies ensuring that their communities are able to overcome the challenges and impacts that are left behind when emergencies happen. The communities pull their resources together to address these issues and this is not an event rather a process.
HIGHLIGHTS
Whether it is floods in Pakistan, violence, unrest and natural calamities in Haiti, immigrants and refugees in Europe, UK, Columbia and Peru; the communities of people most affected come together to address the challenges head on. “Governments come and go but civil society is always there to work with communities,” shared Mary Ann Torres of ICASO who took the participants through Venezuela advocacy for Global Fund grant. As a country that did not fit what was required to get funded by the Global Fund, the civil society members organised and advocated relentlessly sharing their true lived realities and this saw the country become a recipient of the fund. “The location might be different but the experiences the same. If organisations and communities can share with each other, to learn from each other instead of reinventing the wheel, a lot can be achieved.” Shared Judy Otti of the African Advocacy Foundation. “It is important to understand emergencies last longer and have lasting impact…More resources are needed to ensure that the communities are not left on their own to figure it out.” said Mary Ann Torres
CRITICAL ASSESSMENT
Time and time again, civil society picks up the pieces of what is left of their communities after an emergency. When the rest of the world moves on to focus on the country and the next issue, they are the ones who have to figure out how to function in the new normal. For this to be possible and continue, there is need to invest continuously in these efforts.
Artists and scientists have worked together to create pieces of art now on display in Munich, Germany in conjunction with the International AIDS Conference. The exhibition, titled HIV Science As Art, was conceived by co-curators Jessica Whitbread and Daniel Cordner. It follows in the footsteps of their 2023 show that was on display a year ago during the IAS Conference on HIV Science in Brisbane Australia.
The art will be for sale and all proceeds will be used to support community-based HIV programs in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. But the impact of the show extends beyond raising money for worthwhile organizations. The exhibition also challenges viewers to think more deeply about important biomedical and social issues.
One artist/scientist pair worked together to create a piece on vaccine hesitancy. Charles Ryan Long is a Chicago-based artist and long-time HIV/AIDS activist. He partnered with Dr. Heidi Larson, a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and founder of the Vaccine Confidence Project. Their piece is entitled, “The Roots of (dis)Trust.”
Khairullah Rahim, an artist based in Singapore, collaborated with Ali Raza Khan, an HIV activist in Pakistan. Their piece, “Penjaga Hutan Batu (Guardian of the Stone Jungle),” is a short video ostensibly about pigeons. But Khairullah noted that the pigeons represent so much more. These birds often are vilified as carriers of disease. Too often, he remarked, people living with HIV are similarly vilified.
Both artists remarked that the collaborations with their science partners grew very organically. Long commented that when he was speaking with Dr. Larson about her work on vaccine hesitancy, the idea came quickly. “This is about trust,” he said. “It came to me rather easily and then it was just about how to transfer that idea.”
Rahim had similar thoughts about his collaboration. The process, “was very spontaneous. We wanted to see where the experimentation would bring us. There was no very clear end product that we were interested in.”
The exhibition has been supported by the pharmaceutical company ViiV Healthcare and Münchner Aids-Hilfe, an organization supporting people living with HIV in the Munich region since 1984. Works of art are on display at Brainlab, Olof-Palme-Straß 9 in Munich through July 25, 2024. The exhibition is open to the public daily from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM local time.
Read more on original article on Forbes website here
It was an honor to be invited by the UNICEF-led Global Partnership for Adolescents and Young Key Populations (Global ayKP Partnership) to speak at their recent event. The topic, “Connectedness & Community,” resonates deeply with the work we are doing on the ground in Pakistan for children and young people living with HIV and other vulnerable key populations, including gays, MSM (men who have sex with men), and sex workers. Here’s a summary of the insights I shared during the session.
At HIV Voices, we define ourselves as a youth-led initiative working for young people living with HIV and adolescents from key populations. Our approach leverages digital and innovative methods to reach individuals who are often difficult to engage due to their circumstances and locations in Pakistan. Our group comprises a diverse array of young people dedicated to spreading awareness about HIV, prevention methods, and addressing the unique challenges we face, including security concerns and the impact of climate change.
Engagement and Empowerment
One of our core activities involves ensuring that adolescent and young key population (ykp) voices are heard. This includes:
Mobilizing our members
Conducting capacity-building training sessions
Utilizing various platforms and methods available on the ground
Making our voices heard at national and global levels through letter and story campaigns, particularly on digital and social media platforms.
Fostering Reproductive Health and Rights
We place significant emphasis on the reproductive health and rights of adolescents and young girls. Our efforts are not just about HIV prevention but also about creating a safe space where key populations can voice their concerns and work together to tackle issues that affect their well-being.
Connectedness as a Core Theme
The theme of connectedness is at the heart of our work, especially in a conservative country like Pakistan, where key populations are criminalized, and safe spaces are scarce. We often face pressure from various security-related entities and other stakeholders, which can hinder our efforts. However, understanding and navigating these conditions is our strength. As young people and peer mentors, we know how to deal with the issues we encounter on the ground, ensuring that young people from key populations and other stakeholders remain connected and that our voices are heard.
Addressing Interconnected Issues
When working with vulnerable key populations, we sometimes overlook interconnected issues. Our programs and activities aim to bridge this gap by raising awareness and fostering collaboration among different groups. For example, we’ve facilitated exercises that help participants understand how issues affecting one key population are linked to those of another, promoting a more unified approach to addressing these challenges.
A Message of Empowerment
Allow me to share a powerful message from Aslam, a young man living with HIV and a member of our group, Young Positive People of Pakistan:
“Hello everyone, my name is Aslam, and I’m a young man living with HIV. When I was diagnosed through a community-based organization working for key populations, I felt the need for additional support and a desire to contribute to my community. Connecting with Young Positive People of Pakistan not only helped me feel supported but also empowered me in navigating HIV-related systems. Since becoming a member, I have expanded my knowledge about the global fund process in Pakistan, learned about the contributions of various stakeholders, and represented young PLHIV (people living with HIV) on national and international platforms. This involvement has enabled me to address our community’s issues effectively and advocate for our rights.”
The work we do on the ground, driven by the theme of connectedness, is vital. It’s crucial for global organizations and partnerships to continue supporting these efforts at a global level. The empowerment and collaboration of young key populations are essential to creating an inclusive and effective response to HIV. Thank you to the Global Partnership for Adolescents and Young Key Populations for providing this platform and for recognizing the importance of our collective efforts.
I was selected as a participant in the “Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE), Youth & Interfaith: Research Capacity Building Project.” This initiative, jointly organized by the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith & Local Communities (JLI) and Interfaith Dialogue on Violent Extremism (iDove), aimed at empowering young researchers from around the world to contribute to the critical field of PVE.
About the Project
The PVE, Youth & Interfaith: Research Capacity Building Project took place from September to December 2022. The primary goal of this initiative was to involve local community members, especially young people and faith actors, in decision-making processes regarding the prevention of violent extremism. Often, these key stakeholders were excluded, despite their invaluable insights and experiences on the ground.
To address this gap, JLI, in partnership with iDove, supported 12 young individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop evidence-based research on youth, faith, and PVE. Over several months, we received comprehensive training in research methods, analysis, and communication. This not only enhanced our skills and experience but also boosted our credibility in knowledge production.
My Journey and Experience
Being selected for this project was an incredible journey. Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in my country, focusing on the intersection of youth, faith, and PVE. The support and guidance from JLI and iDove were instrumental in navigating this complex and sensitive topic.
One of the highlights of the project was the chance to publish our research. Additionally, we organized and participated in a global, public webinar to share our experiences and showcase our work. This platform allowed us to reach a wider audience, including policymakers, practitioners, and donors working on PVE, conflict, and peacebuilding.
Key Learnings and Reflections
The project emphasized the importance of inclusive and collaborative approaches in preventing violent extremism. By involving young people and faith actors, we ensured that PVE initiatives were more effective and sustainable. Our collective research highlighted the need for social cohesion, justice, and peace, while also addressing potential risks and harms to communities.
Challenges Faced
Working on such a sensitive topic as interfaith dialogue in the conservative society of Pakistan posed several challenges. There were cultural and societal barriers that made conducting research difficult. Additionally, finding participants who were willing to openly discuss these issues required building trust and ensuring confidentiality. Despite these hurdles, the project provided invaluable insights and underscored the importance of addressing these challenges to create a more inclusive and peaceful society.
The final webinar in December 2022 was a fitting conclusion to this enriching experience. We presented our research findings, shared challenges and successes, and reflected on the lessons learned. You could watch the online event on YouTube here to learn more about the challenges we faced.
Moving Forward
As I continue my journey in this field, I am committed to applying the knowledge and skills gained from this project to contribute to meaningful change. I am grateful to JLI, iDove, and all the participants for this incredible opportunity. Together, we can build a more just and peaceful world.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from my research on AliRazaKhan.com.
Read more on Joint Learning Initiative on Faith & Local Communities (JLI)
My name is Ali Raza Khan and I’m a 28-year-old PLHIV activist working for my community. I live in Multan, a small but culturally rich town of Pakistan also known as the City of Saints. I come from a poor family living in the red-light area of the town that led me to adopt risky behaviors without protection. I grew up facing stigma and discrimination because of my identity, status and being from a minority group. Because of my status and identity, I faced bad times when trying to access health services or for exercising my rights. Facing and dealing with these bad times encouraged me to work for my community that is still suffering around Pakistan. I always look for opportunities to learn, catch positive skills and knowledge from other expert people, or try to learn new things on my own. I’m doing all this to empower other PLHIVs so that that they can also raise voices for their health and rights collectively.
Please briefly let us know about your work
I started working for HIV awareness and prevention in 2015 from my university days as volunteer of HYPE national youth group of Rutgers in Pakistan. I continued my volunteer work for the community along with different organizations including FDI, Aahung, ACT, ISYD, YAN, KSS and APLHIV. I started my full-time job for PLHIV withTrans Welfare Organization, a CBO working for HIV among the TG community. TWOCBO provided me the opportunity to speak about the PLHIV community. Later, I joined Wasaib Sanwaro, a CBO working for MSM and amplified my efforts by representing PLHIVs at international platforms. I started my own initiative “Hi Voices” due to the lack of any dedicated platform for the empowerment of YPLHIVs and because many PLHIVs lack the required skills and knowledge to raise their voices. Currently, at national level, I’m organizing capacity building training for YPLHIVs under the Young Positive People of Pakistan Program. Apart from these efforts I’m empowering PLHIVs at the regional and global level with The PACT and YPEER. I’m also trying to influence stakeholders and policy making via Youth LEAD and as a member of Communities Delegation to the board of The Global Fund.
What one achievement you’ve accomplished that you’re most proud of
I’m proud of training other PLHIVs who wanted to raise their voices. One of our alumni participated in our capacity building training and was volunteering in our campaigns all the time. He contacted me and said he learned a lot from my organization and is going to start a platform related to PLHIVs issues. It was the moment when I felt that I may be succeeding in my mission to empower other PLHIVs. I am proud of him and his work because I dedicated my time to PLHIVs with the only one objective of empowering them.
What do you find most challenging about your work
Working for PLHIVs in a conservative humanitarian setting of Pakistan was most challenging. It is still challenging because a PLHIV activist must face multiple obstructions every day. One does not only struggle with the issues that he or she is working for, but also struggles with society, norms, policies and opposition that stops others from accessing and practicing their basic health and rights. These things make my efforts and work more challenging in a conservative humanitarian setting of Pakistan.
What do you do to recharge your battery
I connect with people from the PLHIV community and spend time with them. I share and talk with people who are working for a similar cause. I get re-energized when I work for the PLHIV community in a way that saves their life. I listen to the stories of people how they were able to bring some positive change in the lives of PLHIVs. I try to make them happy and smile. A smile and happiness on their faces brings smile on my face too.
What is your vulnerability and how do you overcome it
I sometimes indulge into things related to the PLHIV community and I forget to make sufficient time available for myself and my family. I try to overcome this be ensuring specific days and specific times dedicated to my family and community work. Also scheduling my work helps me overcome this issue.
What was your reaction to being named one of the honourees for the HIV Hero category
I felt happy to be nominated for the HIV HERO award. I see this as an appreciation and encouragement to continue my work for the community, irrespective of how harsh the conditions on the ground are. I felt excited about this award because there are very few people and platforms to support and appreciate the work of PLHIVs as HERO Award is doing.
Despite the fact that the COVID-19 is still with us, what is a message that you would like to share with the communities in the Asia Pacific
We learned a lot from the COVID-19 crisis, including supporting each other and the marginalized communities. Together we learned how to fight these pandemics and find the cure and access to treatment for all, irrespective of power gaps. My message to all the communities in Asia and the Pacific is to work collectively to end discrimination associated with people affected by diseases.
Read more on Asia Pacific Coalition of Men Having Sex with Men APCOM
Good to have you talk to us, and welcome to The PACT interview series: can you tell us about yourself, maybe the ones we do not know yet.
My name is Ali Raza Khan, a young person living with HIV community member working for sexual and gender minorities and people living with HIV and gay in my local community and for gay and HIV positive people around the globe. I’m simple introvert guy who speaks less but shows his worth via my actions and work. I have been working as a volunteer, part time or full time for HIV and AIDS prevention since 2015 with multiple local, national, regional and international organisations including local community based organisations, Regional Networks of key populations and Communities Delegation to the Global Fund Board. Currently, I’m leading an organisation called Pride Pakistan and Institute of HIV Education and Research which is working for education of HIV and AIDS among young key vulnerable populations.
Why are you passionate about HIV, SRHR ? How did the passion spring up?
I started working for HIV awareness in 2015 as a volunteer. After knowing my positive status, I devoted myself for betterment of young people living with HIV in my community. The motivation to work for my community came from my life experiences in conservative society of Pakistan. I had faced what a young people living with HIV and sex workers had to face in accessing and practicing their health and rights. I have raised voice for my gay and HIV positive community fellows that was suffering due to negligence of health system towards people living with HIV from gay and sex workers community. I have seen young community members in front of me losing their life due to AIDS. I believe many of such lives can be saved with little more efforts and improvements. There are lots of things which needs to be improved to prevent our future generations from HIV epidemic. That is why I want to be part of this life force so that I can make my work more impactful via this platform.
Why did you join The PACT?
I joined The PACT to work for my global young gay and HIV positive community beyond borders, language, cultures, and any other differences just for this one cause of ending new HIV and AIDS infection by 2030.
A portrait of Ali Raza Khan
What motivates you to keep pushing and working for the benefit of young people?
The small appreciations from my community. The words of appreciation for saving one’s life or improving lives or feedback from community after sharing information related to sexual, reproductive health and rights. I myself face these community issues everyday, and as long as they are here they push me to continue.
What are your hopes for the future of the youth HIV movement?
I want to see young gay and HIV positive people raise their voices without any fear of discrimination or stigma. I want to see a day where they will not only work for their own selves but for other vulnerable people as well, becoming ideals for others that can follow them in future.
What would be your message to young people all over the world working to end AIDS by 2030?
Stay strong, work together to make your voices heard at each and every level of the society.
19th April 2019: THE DAY I WAS DIGNOSED HIV AND STARTED MY ARV TREATMENT
Hi, I’m Raza, a young non-binary from Pakistan. I have completed my post-graduation and planning for a PhD from a PLHIV friendly country because I am from the YPLHIV community and I’m not shy to tell that however It wasn’t always like that.
There were bad times when I was not well mentally and physically. I remember that it was a kind of normal thing for my family to take me to emergency because of high fever even after getting medications. Sometimes it disappears for a few days and sometimes for months. It was not just the fever there were also other complications like bloody diarrhea. I was afraid of eating or going to the toilet as medications were not helping for long.
I remember the day I was diagnosed with HIV in April 2019. I wasn’t afraid of it at first until I witnessed a 15-year-old young boy dying of AIDS in the HIV/AIDS department of the hospital during my first visit to get ARVS. His body was dark, dried and lean on a bench 3 feet to where I was sitting. I did not want my life to end up like that nor the lives of other young people. The death of this boy can be prevented if diagnosed and treated on time with support of the community. I spent months thinking from where I might have contracted HIV but never got the answer. Thinking about that was a burden on mental health as there were multiple instances where I might have contracted it so I left thinking about it.
I came to know after 4 months that my ARV formula wasn’t working because of high viral load in my reports. These were the days when I told about my status to my close ones. Unlike my expectations they were supportive. Here in my city it takes almost a month to get viral load results as the ART center sends blood samples to the capital city and reports come back after 15 to 30 days. I don’t like these delays not only for my own but also for other YPLHIV for whom this time can be critical. I still have marks of blisters I got on my body due to high viral load and reaction of my 2nd ARV formula which I have to leave after a week. This was the time I needed support from my family and friends and so I got unlike other YPLHIV people who ask for support on online support groups. Becoming part of online PLHIV community groups gave me deep insight of how difficult it is for PLHIV especially young people to get support. I tried my best to support other YPLHIV by talking to them using online platforms.
Most people believe that people living with HIV just have to take one tablet a day but that’s not true as I have to take six tablets a day 3 in morning and 3 In evening. This is the 3rd ARV formula. I have been taking this for more than 9 months. It seems to be working as I have gained my lost weight and there are no more complications. However, I’m not sure because the viral load test report can prove that but in this COVID-19 situation ART center delayed my viral load test which they were supposed to take after six months. Now after situation came back to normal I was able to receive viral load test and got my report with undetectable viral load. I’m happy and so want others YPLHIV members to stay happy by achieving undetectable.
I had worked part time as a SRHR young advocate before knowing my status but devoted my full time and changed my field of work after knowing my status. As my previous workplace didn’t have a friendly environment for people with special needs. Now I’m working for HIV/AIDS prevention in my town. I’m working in a community-based organization openly as PLHIV to contribute my part to stop new HIV cases among young people. I openly talk about HIV and AIDS and how we can end discrimination and stigma associated with PLHIV on which many SRHR activists also feel shied to talk. I believe my open discussion can help directly or indirectly to prevent a new HIV case. As the 1st day on my ARV I made my mind to work to prevent any other young people from dying of this preventable disease I started to make my work more sustainable by using online digital and social media for advocacy of HIV/AIDS among young people. I’m writing blogs and starting conversations among young groups as it may prevent a death in future as close as 3 feet to me.
The original article was posted on Live Now Togteher campaign page
