A support group with the purpose of family building as well as social acceptance and awareness of the growing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Lahone, Pakistan came about in January of 2009. The organization was founded by two lesbian architects and conducts research into gay/lesbian issues and even offers legal advice. Acceptance and awareness of gay/lesbian issues are very limited in Pakistan due to the society's religious conservatism where homosexual acts are illegal and where no civil rights legislation for gay/lesbian protection against discrimination. Nevertheless, being "out" is easy for some due to the gender segregated structure of the Pakistani culture and society where displays of affection among members of the same gender are rather common. In efforts to promote social awareness and acceptance of the gay community in Pakistan, the American Embassy in Islambad held its very first gay pride celebration late June of last year but recieved political backlash as several participants experience various demonstration acts. Though the pursuit of equal rights is great in theory, it often harms the Pakistani gay /lesbian community instead of helping. The aftermath of this celebration illustrates and explains the fear that members of the gay/lesbian community have for younger members of that particular community who have access to westernized sexual expression, acceptance, and identity but no "outlets for expression" which may lead to frustation and threatening acts out of such frustration.
The exemplifed audacity and courageousness of the two female founders of this organization demonstrates a powerful women's movement apparent within recent news and events that have taken place in the Middle East. Though religious conservatism, a set of limiting norms and gender roles, and the patriarchial society practices and beliefs would suggest that there is no room for reform and fight for equal civil rights, women have been the foundation for change in this region of the world. Taking such a brave initiative that allows others to feel included and acceptance, even in the smallest of realms or settings is a step in the right direction for both women as a whole, and, as stated in this article, the gay and lesbian community as well.
Ketsia Masse, Women, 6:44 PM 11/3/2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/world/asia/gays-in-pakistan-move-cautiously-to-gain-acceptance.html?pagewanted=all
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