Pride Pakistan

Category: Announcements

  • Membership Benefits

    Membership Benefits

    At Pride Pakistan, we believe that empowerment begins with connection. Our membership program is designed to bring together LGBTQI+ individuals of Pakistani origin who are committed to advocacy, awareness, and collective growth. Whether you’re seeking peer support, visibility, or a platform to contribute your voice, becoming a member is a powerful step toward building a more inclusive future.

    We’ve recently launched a new, streamlined membership page to make joining easier than ever:
    👉 Join Us Now

    What Does Membership Offer?

    We offer two types of membership: General Members and Executive Members. Both are open to LGBTQI+ individuals of Pakistani origin, and both come with meaningful benefits.

    🌈 General Members

    General membership is ideal for individuals who want to stay connected, access support, and contribute to our mission. Benefits include:

    • Inclusion in email updates and discussion groups
    • Access to one-on-one peer support sessions by appointment
    • Opportunity to write and publish blogs on our website
    • Ability to share your work and activities on our social media (aligned with our mission)
    • Affiliation for organized activities
    • Access to membership support letters and certificates
    • Full access to Pride Pakistan’s LGBTQI+ resource library

    💼 Executive Members

    Executive membership is for those who want to take on leadership roles and actively shape our campaigns and outreach. In addition to all general member benefits, executive members receive:

    • Profile and bio featured on our website and social media
    • Ability to mentor others through peer support sessions
    • Organize and host virtual events and activities
    • Voting rights in biannual executive leadership selections
    • Eligibility to run for executive leadership positions after two years
    • Authority to post statements and represent Pride Pakistan at external events
    • Use of Pride Pakistan merchandise for aligned initiatives
    • Access to specialized support letters for volunteering, events, and scholarships
    • Contribution rights to our resource library and blog platform
    • Access to executive communication channels for collaboration and planning

    Membership Benefits Comparison

    BenefitGeneral MembersExecutive Members
    Emails & Discussion Groups✔ Included✔ Included
    Peer Support (1-on-1 sessions by appointment)✔ Access✔ Access (can also mentor others)
    Write & Share Blogs on Website✔ Allowed✔ Allowed + contribute opinion blogs to resources
    Share Work/Activities on Social Media✔ If aligned with PridePakistan mission✔ Showcase of activities & profile featured
    Affiliation for Organized Activities✔ Yes✔ Yes (can also host activities as focal person)
    Membership Support Letters & Certificates✔ Available✔ Available + special letters for volunteering fields, events, scholarships
    Access to LGBTQI+ Resources✔ Full access✔ Full access
    Profile & Bio Featured on Website/Social Media✘ Not included✔ Included
    Organize Online Peer Support Sessions✘ Not included✔ Allowed
    Organize & Host Virtual Activities✘ Not included✔ Allowed
    Voting Rights (Executive Leadership Team)✘ Not included✔ Eligible to vote biannually
    Run for Executive Leadership Position✘ Not included✔ Eligible after 2 years of membership
    Post Statements on Behalf of Pride Pakistan✘ Not included✔ Allowed
    Represent Pride Pakistan at Events/Organizations✘ Not included✔ Allowed
    Use Pride Pakistan Merchandise✘ Not included✔ Allowed
    Executive Communication Channel✘ Not included✔ Full access to executive + general member channels
    Leadership & Visibility OpportunitiesLimited✔ Expanded leadership and visibility

    Why We Ask for a Membership Fee

    Pride Pakistan is a 100% volunteer-led initiative. We do not offer salaried jobs or paid positions. Only project-based activities may be compensated for members. Your membership fee helps us cover basic costs like website hosting, secure cloud data, and outreach campaigns.

    • General Membership: $20 USD/year
    • Executive Membership: $40 USD/year

    If you’re looking for employment opportunities, please visit the Support Jobs section in our Support Page.

    Join the Movement

    By becoming a member, you’re not just signing up — you’re standing up. You’re joining a resilient, creative, and compassionate community that’s working to uplift LGBTQI+ voices across Pakistan and the diaspora.

    Ready to take the next step?
    👉 Join Us Now

    Together, we rise.

    Why Join?

    By becoming a member, you are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive, and supportive environment for LGBTQI+ people of Pakistani origin. Your membership fee sustains our website, social media campaigns, and secure cloud data, ensuring Pride Pakistan continues to empower and uplift our community.

    For those who wish to contribute more, you are welcome to adjust the donation amount as you wish. Stripe also allows you to select monthly payments if you prefer to support us regularly. You can read more about these options on our updated Donate Section.

    Join us today and be part of the movement for awareness, advocacy, and empowerment.

    Important Note

    By joining as a member, please understand that Pride Pakistan is not responsible for the acts of individual members. Membership is an honorary volunteer position designed to empower and encourage LGBTQI+ people of Pakistani origin.

  • Another Queer Life Targeted: The Arrest of Abdul Mughiz in Swabi and the Misuse of Morality Laws in KPK

    Another Queer Life Targeted: The Arrest of Abdul Mughiz in Swabi and the Misuse of Morality Laws in KPK

    By Pride Pakistan

    In yet another troubling example of state‑enabled harassment of queer Pakistanis, police in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have arrested Abdul Mughiz, a resident of Bamkhel, for nothing more than expressing himself through clothing on TikTok.

    According to police statements, Mughiz wore women’s clothing, posed for videos, and posted them online. Authorities claim these acts were “indecent” and “sparked public resentment”. He was charged under Section 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code, a provision that criminalises “obscene acts” in public places , a vague and subjective law that has repeatedly been weaponised against LGBTQI individuals in Pakistan, particularly in KPK.

    📜 Section 294: A Tool for Suppression

    Section 294 PPC states:

    “Whoever, to the annoyance of others, does any obscene act in any public place… shall be punished with imprisonment… or with fine, or with both.”

    Human rights observers note that this law is often applied selectively, targeting transgender women, queer men, and Khawaja Sira communities for their gender expression, while similar acts by cisgender, heterosexual individuals are ignored.

    🚨 A Pattern of Persecution in KPK

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen repeated incidents of harassment, violence, and even killings of LGBTQI people:

    • Harassment & Arbitrary Arrests: Transgender women in Peshawar and Mardan have reported being detained under morality laws for wearing “inappropriate” clothing or performing at private events.
    • Targeted Killings: Activists have documented multiple murders of trans women in KPK over the past decade, often after threats from extremist groups. In many cases, perpetrators were never brought to justice.
    • Police Extortion: Reports indicate that police have used the threat of Section 294 charges to extort money or sexual favours from queer individuals, particularly those working as dancers or in informal economies.

    These abuses occur despite the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, which legally recognises gender identity and prohibits discrimination, a law whose protections are routinely undermined by societal prejudice and selective enforcement of morality provisions.

    🌈 Why Abdul Mughiz’s Case Matters

    Mughiz’s arrest is not an isolated incident , it is part of a systemic pattern where queer expression is criminalised under the guise of “public morality.” This policing of identity not only violates Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees of equality but also fuels a climate of fear for LGBTQI people, especially in conservative regions like KPK.

    📢 Pride Pakistan’s Call to Action

    We demand:

    • An immediate review of Section 294 to prevent its misuse against marginalised communities.
    • Accountability for police harassment of LGBTQI individuals.
    • Public education campaigns to challenge prejudice and promote acceptance of gender diversity.

    📚 Further Reading & References

  • Condemning Hate Speech: Homosexuality is Not a Disorder

    Condemning Hate Speech: Homosexuality is Not a Disorder

    Pride Pakistan is deeply disturbed by the recent remarks made by @aiknewspakistan Aik News Pakistan anchor @syed.bilal.qutab Syed Bilal Qutab , labeling being gay as a psychiatric disorder. These statements are not only factually incorrect but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes, discrimination and hate against the LGBTQI+ community in Pakistan. It is crucial to understand that homosexuality is not a disorder, but a natural variation of human sexuality.

    The Impact of Hate Speech

    Hate speech, such as the comments made by the anchor, has serious implications. It fosters an environment of intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination, which can lead to significant psychological harm for individuals in the LGBTQI+ community. Such statements contribute to the marginalization and stigmatization of already vulnerable groups, making it even more challenging for them to live their lives openly and authentically.

    Scientific Consensus

    The global medical and psychological communities, including the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, have long debunked the notion that homosexuality is a disorder. These organizations recognize that being gay is a natural part of human diversity and does not require any form of medical treatment or intervention.

    Holding Hate Mongers Accountable

    It is imperative that authorities and organizations around the world take action against individuals who spread hate speech. Countries with anti-gender hate crime laws must hold these anchors and TV channels accountable for their actions. Reporting and arresting individuals who propagate hate speech is essential in creating a safer and more inclusive world for everyone.

    Taking a Stand

    Pride Pakistan calls on all members of society to stand against such hate speech and support the LGBTQI+ community. We urge media outlets to act responsibly and avoid broadcasting content that promotes discrimination and intolerance. By doing so, we can work together to build a more inclusive and accepting society for all.

    What Can You Do?

    As members and supporters of Pride Pakistan, you can take several steps to combat hate speech and support the LGBTQI+ community:

    1. Report Hate Speech: Whenever you encounter hate speech, report it to the relevant authorities and platforms.
    2. Raise Awareness: Educate others about the harm caused by hate speech and the importance of accepting diversity.
    3. Support Victims: Offer support to those affected by hate speech and discrimination.
    4. Advocate for Change: Engage with policymakers to strengthen laws and regulations against hate speech and discrimination on online and offline forums in your region.

    Pride Pakistan remains committed to promoting inclusivity, acceptance, and equality for the LGBTQI+ community. We will continue to speak out against hate speech and discrimination in all its forms. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

    For more information, visit our website or contact us at contact.

  • Join the Movement: Pride Pakistan Membership and Volunteer Application Now Open!

    Join the Movement: Pride Pakistan Membership and Volunteer Application Now Open!

    Pride Pakistan is excited to announce the launch of our membership and volunteer application form! We are committed to empowering and uplifting the LGBTQI+ community of Pakistani origin, and we invite you to join us in this important journey.

    Why Join Pride Pakistan?

    Pride Pakistan is a vibrant community that aims to foster inclusivity, support, and advocacy for LGBTQI+ individuals of Pakistani origin. By becoming a part of Pride Pakistan, you are not just joining an organization, but a family that stands together, celebrates diversity, and works towards a brighter and more inclusive future.

    Who Can Join?

    We are opening our doors to three groups of individuals:

    1. Donors: Anyone who believes in our cause and wishes to support us financially. Your contributions will help us organize events, create resources, and provide much-needed support to our community.
    2. Executive Volunteers: Open LGBTQI+ members of Pakistani origin who possess skills in content creation, website management, advocacy, or report writing. We are particularly looking for passionate individuals from LGBTQ+ minorities such as gays and lesbians to take on leadership roles within our organization.
    3. General Members: Anyone from the LGBTQI+ community of Pakistani origin who wants to be part of our supportive and empowering network.

    How to Apply?

    It’s simple! Just fill out our Membership and Volunteer Application Form (here). The form is designed to capture all the necessary information we need to understand how you would like to contribute to and engage with Pride Pakistan.

    What to Expect?

    By joining Pride Pakistan, you will have the opportunity to:

    • Participate in exclusive events and activities designed to empower and support our community.
    • Receive regular updates and newsletters about our ongoing projects and initiatives.
    • Access resources and support tailored to the needs of LGBTQI+ individuals of Pakistani origin.
    • Contribute your skills and expertise to make a meaningful impact within the organization and the broader community.

    About Pride Pakistan

    Pride Pakistan is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQI+ individuals of Pakistani origin. We believe in the power of community, advocacy, and support to drive positive change and uplift our members. Through our various programs and initiatives, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and empower our community to thrive.

    Join us in our mission to make a difference. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

    For more information, visit our PridePakistan.org or contact us via Chat