Posted by Pride Pakistan | June 5, 2025
This Pride Month, Pride Pakistan is honoured to highlight a significant contribution from our founder, Ali Raza Khan. Ali was invited by the Asia Pacific Network of YKP (Youth LEAD AP) to share a video message as part of their impactful “Queer Joy as Resistance” series for Pride Month 2025.
Youth LEAD AP featured Ali’s message, emphasizing its core theme:
“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”
In his message, Ali Raza Khan, an HIV-positive queer activist, addressed the critical importance of joy in the ongoing struggle for LGBTIQ+ rights and acceptance, particularly within the Pakistani context.
He began by acknowledging the systemic discrimination faced by young LGBTIQ+ individuals in Pakistan, noting the rise of anti-gender and anti-rights movements that seek to erase their existence and deny their humanity.
However, Ali emphasized that resistance extends beyond merely fighting oppression. “Our resistance,” he stated, “is not just about fighting back against oppression. It’s also about embracing and celebrating who we are.”
Defining queer joy from his perspective and within the Pakistani context, Ali described it as “that spark in our eyes when we find someone who understands our journey without a word; the hamsafar, who see us, celebrate us, and stand by us, no matter what; a shared laugh over a coded joke.” He highlighted that in Pakistan, “where public expression can be frightening, queer joy is often found in these intimate, resilient safe spaces, online, in trusted circles, and deep within ourselves.”
Central to his message was the powerful assertion: “When they want us to live in fear and shame, our laughter is a rebellion.”
Ali Raza Khan then outlined how the community can continue to use this joy as a form of resistance:
- By Living Authentically: Encouraging individuals to live true to themselves, as each act of authenticity chips away at fear.
- By Building and Nurturing Communities: Stressing the importance of these spaces, online or offline, as lifelines for strength and belonging.
- By Celebrating Each Other Loudly: Highlighting how celebrating individual happiness and achievements strengthens the collective spirit.
- By Extending That Joy Outwards: Explaining that joy can be infectious, capable of educating, challenging misconceptions, and building crucial bridges.
Concluding his message, Ali underscored the vital role of joy in the Pakistani context. “In Pakistan, where the fight for rights is ongoing and often uphill, our joy is our fuel and armour,” he affirmed. “It reminds us what we are fighting for: a future where every young LGBTIQ+ Pakistani can live freely, safely, and joyfully.”
Ali Raza Khan closed his powerful message with a heartfelt “Pride Mubarak!”
Pride Pakistan echoes this sentiment and is immensely proud of our founder’s contribution to this important global conversation. Let us all find strength and resilience in queer joy this Pride Month and beyond.
PridePakistan.org
Supporting and Connecting LGBTQI+ People of Pakistani Origin
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
