Ali Raza Khan

Tag: Gay Pakistan

  • Laughter as Rebellion: My Pride 2025 Message on Queer Joy for Youth LEAD AP

    Laughter as Rebellion: My Pride 2025 Message on Queer Joy for Youth LEAD AP

    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?

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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

  • Living in Fear: The Struggles of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Pakistan

    Living in Fear: The Struggles of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Pakistan

    As an HIV-positive gay activist from Pakistan, my life has been a constant battle against societal norms and prejudices. My name is Ali Raza Khan, and I have faced numerous challenges simply for being who I am. Recently, I found myself in Islamabad, staying with my fellow colleague Nayab Ali, a transgender police officer and Victim Support Officer (VSO). I was running away from my pasts involving a forced marriage and threats of honor killing in Multan.

    A Safe Haven Turned Hostile
    Nayab and I had been staying together for several weeks, seeking solace and safety in each other’s company. However, our attempts to lead a normal life were often marred by hostile encounters with security and police officers. One such incident, which gained significant media attention, highlighted the dangers we face daily.

    The Incident at Ramna Police Station
    On the night of 23rd June before midnight Nayab Ali and myself was outside for the dinnder when we received the call by another transgender who was beaten by a restaurant employee. We both listened and helped the transgender to get help from police for which we visited the Ramna police station in Islamabad to deal with a case of that transgender to take forward. During our visit, a fellow police officer first passed derogatory remarks for us being queer on asking to stop he attempted to shoot us twice, in the presence of other officers who did nothing to intervene. We shared the video right after the incident online on twitter, expressing our fear and frustration at being trapped in the police station when advocating for queer rights. The incident potrays how easily it would be a for police officer to shoot and kill us and made up some false allegations of us being doing something wrong.

    As myself someone who has faced similar threats and violence back in my town and persuded to move to Islamabad expecting a safe space, This new experience resonated deeply with my past experiences back home but in a more worse way. I was going through a lot of anxiety during this tumultuous time, witnessing firsthand the blatant disregard for our safety and rights. The incident at the police station was not an isolated event but a reflection of the systemic discrimination and violence that LGBTQ+ individuals face in Pakistan
    Following the shooting attempt, a large crowd from the transgender community gathered outside the police station from the help of Nayab connections in Islamabad to protest. Despite their efforts, the officer who attempted to shot us was not arrested, and the SHO displayed aggression towards us and our supporters. This incident underscores the urgent need for systemic change and protection for LGBTQIA+ communities in Pakistan.

    The Daily Struggles of LGBTQ+ Individuals
    Living as an LGBTQ+ person in Pakistan means constantly navigating a landscape of fear, discrimination, and violence. From forced marriages to honor killings, the challenges we face are immense. Our encounters with law enforcement often exacerbate these issues, as we are met with hostility rather than protection.
    Sharing my story and experience is crucial in highlighting the harsh realities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Pakistan. By raising awareness and advocating for our rights, we hope to foster a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone can live without fear of persecution.

    By sharing these narratives, I aim to shed light on the struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in Pakistan and advocate for meaningful change. Our stories are a testament to our resilience and determination to fight for our rights and dignity.

  • Pride in the Post-Pandemic World: A Youth LGBTQI+ Open Mic Session by The Youth PACT Organisation

    Pride in the Post-Pandemic World: A Youth LGBTQI+ Open Mic Session by The Youth PACT Organisation

    On June 18th, 2022, TheYouthPACT.org hosted an impactful “Youth LGBTQI+ Open Mic Session” titled “Pride in the Post-Pandemic World.” As a volunteer coordinator for the advocacy working group at TheYouthPACT.org, I, Ali Raza Khan from Pakistan, had the privilege of co-hosting this session alongside Paul Darrel Omenesis from the Philippines.

    The session commenced with an introduction to PACT, a vibrant coalition of 152 youth organizations dedicated to collaboratively and strategically addressing global HIV responses and ensuring the health, well-being, and human rights of all young people since 2013. Paul also outlined general guidelines for Zoom conversations to ensure a respectful and attentive environment. Following this, members of the organizing team, including myself, Jennifer Ball, and Moli Chen, were introduced.

    The core of the open mic session featured a diverse panel of speakers from prominent organizations working on LGBTQI+ issues across Asia and Africa. We heard from Ramil Andag of APCOM, Li Hao Cheng of PSA-Taiwan, Alexander Bernard of Youth for Youth Organization, Justin Chidozie from CHEVS, and Ram Dulip from YPEER Asia Pacific Network.

    My involvement in this session as an openly HIV-positive gay activist from Pakistan highlights my long-standing commitment to LGBTQI+ rights, not just within my country but globally. This event served as another example of my open work advocating for gay rights.

    The speakers shared invaluable insights into the challenges and advancements for the LGBTQI+ community in the post-pandemic world. Ramil Andag from APCOM discussed how COVID-19 exacerbated existing human rights challenges for LGBTQI+ communities, particularly those in the informal sector, leading to difficulties in accessing work, livelihoods, and even social protection programs. APCOM responded by advocating for LGBTQI+ inclusive COVID responses from organizations like the World Health Organization and supporting local organizations in migrating to digital advocacy spaces.

    Li Hao Cheng of PSA-Taiwan shared a more fortunate perspective, noting Taiwan’s progressive stance, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2019. However, he acknowledged that the pandemic did freeze some advocacy efforts due to the inability to hold physical pride events and a decrease in routine health check-ups for STDs. PSA-Taiwan adapted by organizing online events and promoting home delivery HIV tests.

    Justin Chidozie from CHEVS provided a stark reality of the situation in Nigeria, where discriminatory laws like the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2014 lead to severe consequences for LGBTQI+ individuals, including up to 14 years imprisonment for same-sex public displays. Despite this, CHEVS is actively working to empower young LGBTQI+ people by building their collective power and redefining empowerment. A notable initiative is their “Tech for Pride” project, aiming to onboard LGBTQI+ individuals into the tech ecosystem, providing skills in web development, data analysis, and product design, enabling them to work remotely and overcome employment discrimination. CHEVS also launched a mental health program during the pandemic to address the increased instances of mental health challenges and homelessness among LGBTQI+ individuals.

    Ram Dulip from YPEER Asia Pacific Network shared a unique perspective from Sri Lanka. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the country’s economic crisis, Ram highlighted how the pandemic, paradoxically, led to increased visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQI+ community through social media engagement. However, the transgender community has faced significant challenges due to the inability to access hormone treatments amidst the crisis.

    Alexander Bernard of Youth for Youth Organization in the Philippines highlighted the lack of SRHR service delivery for LGBTQI+ youth during the pandemic, particularly for those cast out by their families. His organization provided essential aid and shifted to digital platforms for information dissemination and capacity building, finding it effective in reaching young people who previously couldn’t attend physical events.

    The session concluded with powerful imparting messages for young LGBTQI+ individuals. Ramil Andag emphasized the importance of continuing to take space, demanding meaningful participation, and asserting basic human rights, not special rights. Ram Dulip encouraged the community to move beyond seeking sympathy and instead demonstrate their capabilities and contributions to society. Alexander Bernard’s powerful motto, “Nothing about us without us,” resonated, urging the community to claim their rightful space and be heard. Justin Chidozie stressed the importance of meaningful engagement coupled with responsibility, encouraging self-empowerment and acquiring technical expertise to engage with systems and governments effectively. Finally, Li Hao Cheng’s message to “be like water” encouraged mindfulness, treating others with love, and broadening horizons to foster a more heartwarming and loving community.

    This open mic session truly showcased the resilience, innovation, and unwavering spirit of the youth LGBTQI+ community and their allies in navigating the complexities of a post-pandemic world. It was a testament to the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion, demonstrating that even in challenging times, the voices of advocacy and hope continue to rise.

    Watch the complete video on TheYouthPACT.org facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/theyouthpact/videos/563724965374023