Pakistan: Islam and Homosexuality

There he was, draped in the best that western fashion had to offer. Tariq, my first Pakistani homosexual. Of course, Tariq is not his real name, because you see, Tariq is successful at what he does and has made a remarkable name for himself in the Pakistani fashion industry. If a certain student from the US was to make the mistake of actually naming him, he could loose all of that, due to unofficial and official religious authorities and upholders of “tradition and just culture.”

Although, earlier we had chatted briefly on the phone to discuss where and when to meet, all I knew of him came from fashion magazines and TV shows.As I sat down on his leather seat, I was amazed by the level of comfort Tariq exhibited. He took off this shoes and unbuttoned his top-most button as he sat down on the next seat with his feet plopped on the table. I had always imagined that homosexuals in Pakistan would be clumsy, insecure, and frankly scared in a situation like this. Tariq shattered all that in less than 2 minutes, and I later understood why.

I explained my reason for coming to Pakistan and gave him a little background about myself. Initially, I had thought about keeping my own sexuality hidden, but when asked why I was doing this research, I hinted that I too was gay. I assumed that Tariq would feel more relaxed about the confidentiality of the interview knowing that I too was guilty of being born gay.I must point out that up to this point, I had assumed Tariq was gay. After all, his best friend had arranged the interview based upon this very fact. Yet I still waited for him to admit it himself.

I asked him to tell me what defines him, his work, and his life in general? He told me he was not a fashion designer because he was gay nor was he gay by profession. Both came naturally to him. He has always been into fashion, even as a child, and as far as he can remember he has always been gay. He said his sexuality was an open fact in his family. While no-one flaunted it, he had two gay uncles and a gay cousin as well, “so the precedent was there.”

We talked about issues ranging from fashion to sex to politics, religion and beyond. However, as I am typing up this interview into the blog, I am realizing how lengthy it will get. Therefore, for your benefit and for that of my fingers, I’ll let you read highlights in Tariq’s own words:

“filled with bitchy queens (the fashion world)…Women are more likely to trust you, as are the men (with their women)…they do change their views of gays after meeting one (for the better)…Of course, there are no gays in Pakistan (officially)…we can never admit our sexuality to the press…If a person is calling you a hijra, gay, or a khusra, they don’t care what it means since they are only trying to hurt you…Only their presence is accepted (on hijras)…no sense of community or gay pride…we have to work within the parameters of society…wired with a self-edit button…nobody is truly out in Pakistani society…I know many homosexuals who are married and have biological kids…great sex life, but no love life in Pakistan…there is no place for me in a religion which does not recognize and accept homosexuality…we are here and that is not going to change…Pakistanis are held up over this concept of hell…Religion is the biggest factor here…Many of the Sufis were gay, look at their poetry for God’s sake…Pakis are not good at putting their neck out…if there are any communities who are socially conscious and involved (as seen with the work for IDPs) it is the women and homosexuals (in power) of Pakistan…It will have to find a place within Islam, there is no other way…This country will always hold its religion close…The eastern male has always been more effeminate with his pinky rings and hand holding…He is dying out due to, I hate to say it, globalization (the eastern male)…Gay rights? If we survive to be gay, then we will get to that point.“

I know this isn’t much, but hopefully you will all be able to catch a copy of my compilation of interviews and findings.

-jB

The term is used indiscrimenantly each day by Pakistanis (and others on the sub-continent) to refer to anyone who is sexually deviant. While most people associate the term with the cross-dressing third gender individuals commonly seen on the streets, gay people too, are labeled hijras. I wrote earlier about how this term is used interchangably with the word “gay” or homosexual, but due to recent discoveries I felt it nessecary to write a little more in depth about hijras. There is countless literature on hijras on Pakistan. Most people don’t deny their existence, or even their right to exist. Frequently, people quote parts of the Qur’an which allow for a “third gender” mostly in reference to men with no desire towards women.This does not, however, stop in a anyway, their marginalization in society. Hijras are ridiculed by most (it is extremely offensive to call someone a hijra) and most people refuse to keep them even as domestic workers. For this reason, they have taken up begging, dancing/singing at weddings, and even prostitution. The ‘clients’ are usually “straight” men who exploit these individuals.These past couple weeks, I have seen countless hijras on the streets, usually begging for money. The more interesting part,however, is the TV shows and programs about hijras that I have seen. Although there have been famous TV serials in the past with hijras as ridiculous, stereo-typical characters, for the first time Pakistan is seeing serious mainstream news stations air documentries about them. These documentries have an almost pro-hijra lens through which they are approaching the topic. Mostly they have psychological experts and hijras themselves as interviewees and they explore the reasons behind the hijra communities “deviant” culture. The most exciting part was that in conclusion, all of these programs placed a large part of the blame on the heter-normative Pakistani culture, which has boxed the hijras into these stereotypes, and can’t fathom a hijra who does not fit within them.I was also lucky enough to catch an interview on a popular TV channel of the President of the Hijra (She-male) society of Pakistan. The president broke so many of the stereotypes usually associated with hijras, and was educated and very well spoken. The journalist himself was quite impressed.I am already beginning to notice an increase in conversations on sexuality (though limited to hijras) in my surroundings. Often, with a favorable opinion of hijras.Thus far, I have argued for a separation of the two factions, hijras and homosexuals. And while I still stand for an educated understanding of the differences between the two terms, I am beginning to see hope in a joint effort for rights. I have frequently come across literature in the United States which argues for Queer rights as opposed to homosexual or transgender or bisexual rights. This idea, might work in Pakistan as well, since hijras are an accepted community who have already started to ask for their rights (with slow but solid results). Before this can happen, however, there needs to be a discourse, powered from a reading of the Islamic texts, on sexual diversity. Many of the people I have interviewed thus far say that the only way for homosexuality to be accepted in Pakistan is if room for it is found in the Qur’an. Obviously, even if that does happen, it does not guarantee equal rights immediately (as is witnessed with the hijra community). It is merely a prerequisite to any gay rights campaign in Pakistan.I will write more on some interesting interviews I have had recently. I also apologize to those who read this blog, for being slow in posting new material. There are extreme power outages going on all across Pakistan and this has kept me away from a stable internet connectionBut until next time….           -Jahanzeb!

This post is dedicated to Natty and Lamar, talking to whom made me realize why i was doing this.                                                                                                  I remember clearly those nights, when I would sit there trying to study in Swem but all I could think about was this research. It was hard to contain my excitement and I would jump at every “study break” and hop on the Internet, and type in “gay Muslim” or “gay Pakistan.” A part of me, hoped to find a break through, a break through that would help me reconcile my being. Another part of me just wanted to sit in-front of the screen and gaze at the same old articles and blog entries, knowing that soon I would be on the forefront, finding out for myself. Looking back now, I realize that frequently I romanticized my research. I didn’t know exactly what I would find, nor did I know how I would go about finding it. All I knew was the search. Today sitting in-front of my laptop, I am trying to remind myself of that passionate boy. Today, has been a hard day. It’s been hard not because I had an interview with some mullah who convinced me that there was no room in Pakistani culture, nor Islam for homosexuality; but hard because I realized that I had already lost sight of the fight that I had promised myself to engage in. I found myself convincing me that there was no possibility of a change in people’s attitudes. I don’t quite know how I managed to solidify my fears so quickly, but it was a reality check. No struggle could claim to be legitimate, without containing within itself a fight against the current. So now I am telling myself and sharing with you, why I am doing this research.For centuries, Muslims and non-Muslims alike have taken things as they are, without questioning the reasons for their existence. People watched as others were subjugated to second class treatment based on their color, without looking into the basis for it. After struggles that are unimaginable though, we have come to live in a world in which most people argue for a racially just society. In the same manner, most corners of the world are fighting for the equality of male and female rights. We have made enormous strides in this fight and there are still places fighting fervently with the hope for a just tomorrow. Homosexual rights are an issue which has not only been ignored for centuries, but also an issue which lacks a large popular base of support. Homosexuals are a minority whose closeting does not only result in extreme emotional depravity but also in the lack of a physical presence. Muslim homosexuals are a minority within a minority. Their fight is exponentiated in today’s world. They are estranged from secular western homosexual movements, and do not have the security to form their own. I have been blessed to be in a position from which I can be an ally to them in this fight, with respect to a specific community, the homosexuals of Pakistan. Though my fight is grand and the distance to the end is way beyond my sight, I made a promise to myself: to strive to the best of my ability to speak out and act out against this grave injustice. This research, is my first leap. It is humble in its approach and probably even more so in its impact. But it is the beginning of my part in a struggle we all must wage. I am not here to promote a political or social agenda, but to better understand the roots of injustice which have marked so many peoples’ lives. So, at the end of this day, I sit infront of my computer, with the same insecurities I started out with. Yet, now I have a rejuvenated hope and a renewed passion. Once again I am letting go of my relative success and failure, and focusing on my passion for the search….and it is so that my search and struggle both continue.                                                                Happy Friday Everyone!(now I wait for the electricity to come back so I can post this )                                                                                                           -Jahanzeb                                                                                PS. I am grammatically incorrect and organization evades any concept of writing I possess, so excuse me.

This past week and about a half has taught me that I am addicted to learning and addicted to my study. Pakistan fascinates me beyond words and frequently even beyond emotion. I have truly been dumbfounded. On a personal level, I have never felt more challenged and on a scholastic level I have never been so engulfed in a topic. I am continuously tossing theories and connections in my head, so that I can have a premise to test over these coming two months. I am still in the process of arranging interviews and one-on-one field work, but observationally my mind (and notebook) are drenched in notes. Pakistani viewpoints on homosexuality (male) stem from their larger view of masculinity. On first glance, there seems to be a correlation between social class and the concept of masculinity. It is perfectly normal and highly common to see a man walking hand in hand with another man on the streets. In fact, it almost seems like the acceptable behaviour for two men walking (or even standing) together.  These men (pardon my gross generalization) appear to be from lower social classes (based on dress, location, and over all demeanor). Frequently, these men also exhibit more effeminate body language than men in higher social classes. In more modernized Pakistani circles (usually from higher social classes), it is extremely rare to find the same level of male-to-male contact. While Pakistani culture, in general, dictates more personal interactions amongst men than in American culture, the interaction between men in higher social classes is much less effeminate than that of the earlier mentioned. Men are not often seen holding hands or walking arm in arm or touching each-other in any other manner. This sort of behaviour in the higher social classes would be labelled “gay” or  ”hijra’ish (enunach’ish)” and, therefore, seen in an extremely negative light.  There seems to be little separation between the popular hijra culture and homosexual culture. Often the terms hijra, khusra, and gay are used interchangeably (though meaning completely different things). Another interesting connection that I am looking forward to exploring is the connection between followers of Sufi saints in Punjab, and concepts of homosexuality. Lower social classes are more prominent visitors of sufi shrines and I wonder if the non-rigid sexuality of many Sufis has any affect on their followers. It would help explain the class distinction in the ideas of masculinity that I mentioned earlier. I will post some more reflections on this topic soon. I think this is enough to chew for today . Look forward to a post on Shah Hussien soon!!! He is one of the most fascinating parts of my research. He was a homosexual Sufi (though no-one would dare dub him that) whose poetry is amongst the most prized pieces of Punjabi literature. His tomb is in Lahore, and is one of the most highly visited places in all of Pakistan. He is also buried next to his love, Madho Lal, and interstingly enough he even incorporated his lover’s name into his own, calling himself “Shah Madho Lal Hussien.”  Such a dedicated and transcending love,leaves me speechless. These past few days, it is within the poetry of Shah Hussien that I have found much comfort and familiarity. I urge you to listen to one of his poems being sung. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEPFz6UkdnM&feature=related                                                                 

-jahanzeb 

Its been less than 24 hours since I’ve landed and my emotions have gone haywire….or maybe for the first time I am actually realizing them and trying to actualize them. So much has changed since the last time I was in Pakistan. I have trace memories of streets and buildings here and there, but the atmosphere is no longer the same. For the first time, I see some fear in the eyes of Pakistanis. I don’t think most of them would ever admit it, but it is definitely there. There isn’t the sense of anything goes and everything is okay anymore. Right before I landed, a bomb rocked a main road in Lahore, a road that I planned on frequently passing through.  Right outside the airport,  a lone police officer stood handing out urdu pamphets warning arrivers of the constant threat of attack.     Pakistan has so much potential. I have seen it in its people, in its culture,and  in its manner. It is hard to put into words. Standing in the streets is like a wordless conversation in itself. There is so much, that words would only clutter it.  Yet, it seems as though manifesting that potential into actuality is impossible. There is often no light, no water, no petrol, no food, and no government efficiency or structure to depend on. All there is, is this rich Pakistani culture which gives Pakistan its life and strength to go on and fight for its right to be in a world that has labeled it a misfit. As one Pakistani put it to me, “God is breathing His own essence and life into Pakistan and that is the only way it is surviving, there can’t be any other way.”                                                                           Although it might seem extreme, but this first day and night in Pakistan has already made me sure of my decision to come here. The sights and sounds of the streets (more so the smells) have cemented my passion for this culture and for my research. I mentioned in my first post that I would explain my research in this post, so here it goes. I have had to modify much of my research, based on the on ground situation and also my own critical analysis of my intial ideas. The title of my research is Islam and Homosexuality: Prospects of integration into mainstream society in Pakistan. Even while typing my title just now, I found a thousand mistakes with what it suggests to the audience and how it does not accurately represent my research. I decided sometime last year to do research on Islam and homosexuality. Both topics are extremely close to my heart and crucial to my own being. Perhaps to explain the extent of this, I will post my personal statement for the grant so you can see for yourself. (The lights just went out here and I am already sweating).My project is to gauge  the propects for the acceptance of alternative sexualities, in Pakistan, with its long history of homosexual love. This is a vast and general topic and I am working on constricting my thesis to a particular aspect of the topic. My work will be centered in metropolitan cities, like Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi, where most policy makers hail from and where there is a great melange of the different segments of Pakistan. I will be carrying out interviews with politicians, media and show-biz personalities, human and civil rights activists and members of the marginalized homosexuality community in Pakistan. Along with this, I will be visiting many Sufi shrines and composing a library of Sufi works relating to homosexual topics. For this, the tomb of Shah Hussein and his lover, Madho Lal, will be my main focus. Due to the controversial nature of my research, I have to keep it a little “hush hush” here, as to not alarm the “religious and societal” authorities (official and unofficial). It is also because of this that I do not have a finite description of my project at the moment. I have to gauge the level of danger associated with my research and customize it accordingly. Hopefully I shall have this done shortly. I’ll leave you with one of my favourite quotes by Hazrat Maulana Rumi (as he is called in Pakistan). Forgive me if the words are slightly off as I am writing this from memory.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               “Out beyond the ides of rightdoing and wrongdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Love in all its entirety,                                                                                                                                                                                     Jahanzeb ‘jB’ Akbar

Today my journey begins. Truth be told it began quite a while back, when I decided to pursue my project, but officially I will be on the plane in a few hours from now. It’s hard to imagine what I will find and what to expect from a nation that has changed so much since its conception in the late 40′s. I hope this research proves to be all I wish for it to be, but most of all I hope that it is of some use to the world; so that we may better understand a topic and a region deeply misunderstood all over the world. …what is this research that I’m talking about? Stay tuned and I’ll post a little synopsis along with first impressions, upon landing in Lahore, Pakistan!                             Jahanzeb ‘jB’ Akbar                                                                                                                                                                                                   {“justBreathe, justBelieve” }