LGBT* Pakistanis Seek Familial Rather than Legal Support

In Pakistan, LGBT* people face an interesting dynamic. While homosexual acts are illegal and are discouraged both socially and by law, it is still possible for people to successfully live without facing legal repercussions. Indeed, homosociality is a norm there, and it is common for men to hug and kiss in public. This article mentions that in many ways in Pakistan it is easier to conduct a secret homosexual affair than a secret heterosexual one. Now two women, one 30 and one 33, are organizing a secret group for LGBT* Pakistanis to meet and find support. The group focuses on increasing family support and understanding rather than fighting any legal battles. They view this as currently futile, and view an American-sponsored pride event from the past as doing a lot of damage to their cause. The visibility, they argue, is not what they currently need. Instead, they believe that a smaller-scale change is necessary that pushes families to accept their children rather than dismantling laws such the article of Pakistani penal code that criminalizes homosexuality. The group also provides safe-house services for those in fear of legal or physical repercussions to their sexuality or gender identity.

While dismantling these laws would make it easier for the group (called O) to meet up without fear, trying to sway the group into another direction could be perceived as very ethnocentric of non-Pakistanis. This is proven by the pride event the American embassy put on and how much it damaged the LGBT* scene in Pakistan. While from our viewpoint being “out and proud” can help spread awareness and thus normalize LGBT* existence, this visibility endangers Pakistani LGBT* people and puts them at legal and social risk that is not justified in their view. Western viewpoints have very little say in this matter, and it would likely be best if the American embassy stepped back and let LGBT* Pakistanis do what they think is most appropriate for the situation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/world/asia/gays-in-pakistan-move-cautiously-to-gain-acceptance.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=freedomandhumanrights