Editor’s Note: The following submission is from Sarmad Ali. Have an LGBTQ+ related experience or story to share? Having your article published on this site will automatically enrol you into a raffle to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Submit an article today via queerdeermedia.com.

[amazon_link asins=’B00D9EQSY6′ template=’ProductAdRight’ store=’ourqueerstories-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4863c77f-8cd9-11e7-ad46-d51bd278e49a’]The story begins with the childhood of young gay boy. When I opened my eyes I was born in religious extremist, conservative, undeveloped and less privileged society. I was being raped by my own cousin at the age of 09 year at that time i was unaware about the sexual harassment and child abuse.

When I started working with different NGO’s organization as volunteer, I founded I had been rapid many times due to my illiteracy. I started my journey and started struggle against rape, child abuse, sexual harassment and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights as trainer, community repetitive, research expert, conducting surveys, radio programs, workshop and Training’s. When I started my journey towards Human Rights, LGBTQI and same sex marriage rights I found myself as hopeless. Being a Gay and an Atheist in such conservative religious and non-tolerant society towards religious and sexual minority; You have more challenges and less opportunities. As Leader, I am copping all the challenges and finding opportunities for solution of my cause in the challenges.

No one was agreed to start movement for LGBTQI in my country. I started my movement with some young pro LGBTQI activists. I have of persecution being a Gay under the laws of Government of Pakistan .I started masses awareness on human rights, Advocacy for human rights and LGBTQI movement in my society. I started to teach my society for tolerance towards cross religious harmony and sexual diversity. I joined Youth Voices Count (1) Network active member working for Young Male Sex Male and Transgender in the Asia region from Pakistan (2). I started my work to raise voice for LGBTQI globally. I attended PREPARING Asia from 23 to 25 September 2015 for HIV Aids prevention among YMSM in the region from APCOM (Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health) (3). I am now PREP Advocate changing the lives of Young MSM in the region for HIV Aids prevention as the best tool. I have completed PREPARING Pakistan as PREP Advocate with APCOM (4). I am changing the lives of Young people of on the platform of Youth Parliament of Pakistan (5) under ” Do The Talk : Mera Amal ; Mera Haq “(6) project on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) as Provincial Coordinator and Trainer of Sindh with partnership of USAID.

I am striving for the Human Rights in my country, regional and global level. I am writer, I wrote articles on Rape, Child Abuse, Women Empowerment, Youth issues, Youth rights, LGBTQI rights, sexual minority rights and SRHR. I empowering, motivating and inspiring young vulnerable communities in community for their growth, development and sustainability. I will fight for social and legislative justice for my community. I will fight for human rights in my country!

REFRENCES:

(1) : http://www.youthvoicescount.org/

(2): http://youthvoicescount.org/do-the-talk-mera-amal-mera-haq-pakistans-youth-project/

(3): http://youthvoicescount.org/go-on-and-take-prep/

(4): http://www.apcom.org/reflectionpiece/PrEParingAsia

(5): http://www.youthparliament.org.pk/

(6): https://www.facebook.com/Do-the-talk-Mera-Amal-Mera-Haq-1431677737149606/?fref=ts