LGBT history in Pakistan
LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. It is an inclusive acronym used to represent a diverse range of sexual orientations and gender identities within the non-heterosexual and non-cisgender communities. In the 1980s, the restrictions against the LGBT community in Pakistan intensified under the leadership of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the sixth president of Pakistan. The punishment for homosexual activities was heightened to life imprisonment or even death by stoning due to the incorporation of Sharia Law into the Pakistan Penal Code. Despite these stringent laws, there were instances of tacit support for homosexuality in major cities like Lahore and Karachi. During General Pervez Musharraf’s regime, there were clandestine gay parties, and individuals like Ali Saleem openly discussed their sexuality, with Ali Saleem, the son of a retired army colonel, appearing on television disguised as a woman, openly identifying as bisexual.
Religious leaders in Pakistan have consistently prohibited and condemned LGBT activities as immoral under Islamic law, and homosexual marriages are not recognized as legitimate. Due to the fear of social stigma and physical attacks, individuals in Pakistan who identify as part of the LGBT community do not openly disclose their sexual orientation.
The transgender community in Pakistan faces marginalization and discrimination, often being perceived as possessing supernatural powers and relegated to roles such as beggars, street dancers, and prostitutes. Religious clerics often denounce transgender individuals as sinful and inhuman, further exacerbating societal ostracization. Transgender teens are often kept as family secrets and face significant challenges in finding acceptance and support.
Pakistan has been reported to tolerate practices like Bacha bazi and Dancing boys in its northwestern provinces. Vigilante groups patrol the countryside, seeking to catch individuals engaged in such acts and administer punishment.
Cases of violence against the LGBT community are prevalent in Pakistan, with many incidents going unreported due to fear of reprisal or police complicity. The TransAction Alliance reported over 300 cases of violence against transgender individuals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, with 46 transgender individuals killed since January 2015. Police indifference or inaction is often cited when such cases are reported.
In 2009, the Supreme Court of Pakistan recognized transgender people as a third gender and directed government agencies to employ them, though implementation has been limited. Additionally, social and dating platforms like Tinder, Manjam, Grindr, and Scruff are providing avenues for the LGBT community to connect and support each other. NGOs like the NAZ Male Health Alliance, founded by Kasim Iqbal, are also working to provide support and advocacy for the LGBT community in Pakistan.