Tag: Mental Health
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The Fluid Gaze
The Fluid Gaze: Gender Expression and the Perceptions of Look How we dress and style our hair changes how the world treats us. Created in 2014, The Fluid Gaze is an intimate digital sketch of a female subject named Kashf. The portrait shows a simple female form, but she carries a distinct look that challenges…
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The Definitive Smile
Beyond the Teeth: Deconstructing Identity in “The Definiled Smile” When society looks at an individual, it often minimizes their entire existence down to a single, recognizable physical trait. We become “the tall person,” “the quiet face,” or, in my personal experience, “the Ali with the big white teeth.” In this 2026 self-portrait, which now serves…
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At the Edge of Being
At the Edge of Being: Visualizing Mental Health in Times of Crisis The psychological impact of medical trauma is frequently ignored in favor of treating physical symptoms. In At the Edge of Being, I bring the hidden, dark realities of mental health struggles directly to the forefront. This work confronts the thoughts of despair and…
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Strings of the Status
From Sketch to Screen: Pulling the Metaphorical “Strings of the Status” Art has the unique capacity to evolve over time, much like our own healing journeys. Strings of the Status began its life long ago as a raw, personal ink sketch in a notebook. Years later, I returned to this archival image, transforming it into…
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The Master Key to Peace: My Journey from Fear to the Multan Arts Council
There was a time in my life, while studying at MNS University, when the world felt incredibly heavy. In Pakistan, we were living through a period of constant fear. As a Shia, the news was filled with reports of targetings and blasts. Every time I stepped out, I had a psychological trauma that stayed with…
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The Brain and the Search for Peace
I have often wondered why humans need religion. After my HIV diagnosis, I found myself moving away from traditional beliefs and leaning more toward science. Science gave me the tools to survive and the data to understand my body. But I also realized that the human brain seems to have a built-in need for something…
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Finding the “Mahdi” on a Castle Wall: A Journey from Fear to Science
I was visiting the Valère castle recently, just looking for some history and peace. But as I was reading the information boards, I saw a sticker that stopped me in my tracks. It had a man with a beard, a black background, and a QR code. Underneath, it said in French: “What was promised to…
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URGENT SECURITY NOTICE: My Previous WhatsApp Number Has Been Compromised
To my community, colleagues, and friends, I am writing this urgent update to inform you that my long-standing personal and organizational WhatsApp number (+92 313 6234725) has been hacked and compromised. Effective immediately, I have lost all administrative control over this number. It is currently being operated by malicious actors who have no association with…
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Beyond the Diagnosis: Launching Ali’s Treatment Trek
For over 15 years, my life has been a journey through shadows and light. I have faced the sterile walls of HIV clinics, the heavy silence of societal stigma in the streets of Multan, and finally, the bright lights of global advocacy stages. But how do I share a 15-year journey with someone who hasn’t…
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Ali Raza Khan & 4 Years of Me for Myself Campaign : Mental health is a stigmatized topic, and LGBTIQA+ people face even greater challenges when addressing mental health issues.
4 Years of Me for Myself Campaign & Ali Raza Khan core member M4M : Mental health is a stigmatized topic, and LGBTIQA+ people and marginalized communities face even greater challenges when addressing mental health issues. Certainly! Mental health awareness is crucial for everyone, but it holds particular significance within the queer community. Let’s explore…
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Ensuring Safety and Security for LGBTQI+ Community Members in Pakistan : Speaker Ali Raza Khan
The Importance of Freedom and Rights for LGBTQI+ People in Pakistan The LGBTQI+ community in Pakistan has long been marginalized, facing legal and social discrimination. Despite these challenges, there have been significant efforts to advocate for their rights and inclusion. However, the broader LGBTQI+ community still faces legal hurdles. Same-sex relationships remain criminalized under Section…
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Mental Health and Global Health
The importance of mental health in global health, particularly during a pandemic, cannot be overstated. Mental health plays a critical role in overall well-being and is intricately connected to physical health, social functioning, and the ability to cope with challenges and adversity. Here are some key reasons why mental health should be prioritized in global…
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National Stop Bullying Day 2020 : A Call to Action from Ali Raza Khan
National Stop Bullying Day, observed annually, serves as a crucial reminder of the pervasive issue of bullying and its detrimental effects on mental health. In 2020, this day took on even greater significance as the world grappled with the challenges of increased online interactions and the rise of cyberbullying. Ali Raza Khan, a dedicated mental…
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Diary of my HIV AIDS Positive Friend
I try to not think about when it happened from where it happened. Because whenever I think about that I am clueless and confused. Either it infected me a month ago, 3 months ago or 3 years ago. Either from some infected equipment or unprotected contact. What now I just think about is to keep…