Nerves of Steel OR Gay in Karachi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

The most important Human Rights award in Italy was awarded in December 2017 to a gay Muslim activist who was originally from Pakistan. The Italian Coalition for Freedom (CILD) chose Wajahat Abbas Kazmi as ‘Young Activist of the Year’

Wajahat Abbas Kazmi with notification of his award. 

(photo from the Internet)

Some years ago, I spent a very enjoyable evening in a gay bar where I met two guys from Karachi. I was pleasantly surprised as the only Pakistanis I had encountered previously were aggressive homophobes. Recently, I met up with them again while they were visiting the UK. It seems the tide is (very) slowly turning in Pakistan where there are more gay activists campaigning for acceptance and equality within the wider community than even just a few years ago. It is heartwarming news although always disquieting to discover that some parts of the world continue to disrespect Human Rights and get real about life in the 21^st Century. 

NERVES OF STEEL or GAY IN KARACHI

Nerves of steel, here, in Karachi

where life may take a cruel turn any day

such as we, savaged for our sexuality

Born a good person, and born free,

yet living a lie (since truth denied its say)

nerves of steel, here, in Karachi

Absurd, that any 21^st century city

should count among its taboos being gay,

such as we, savaged for our sexuality

Family, neighbours, look up to me,

yet mind-body-spirit as vulnerable as clay,

nerves of steel, here, in Karachi

Victims of a contemporary society

where majority bigots (even as they pray)

such as we, savaged for our sexuality

No regard for a common humanity

(of socio-cultural-religious icons an array);

nerves of steel, here, in Karachi,

such as we, savaged for our sexuality

Copyright R. N. Taber 2018

No Case to Answer OR Gay in Brasilia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

[Update, 9/1218: the recent election of far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro as president of Brazil has sent waves of misgiving across gay and other minority groups. The world waits with bated breath to see what happens next.]

A reader living in Brazil has been in touch to say how much he and his partner enjoy living there. I have to say it makes a change to have someone send such a delightful, feel-good email; and it inspired this villanelle.

Cathedral of Brasilia 

(image taken from the Internet)

NO CASE TO ANSWER or GAY IN BRASILIA

Here, same sex couples live openly

far less looking over a shoulder in fear,

in this long-time LGBT-friendly city

Homophobes, a relative minority

(though just how many closets unclear);

here, same sex couples live openly

No closet approaches to sexuality,

Human Rights respected, and held dear

in this long-time LGBT-friendly city

While others fighting on for equality

(in a world whose prejudices made clear)

here, same sex couples live openly

Love poses no threat to that morality

that socio-cultural-religious groups revere

in this long-time LGBT-friendly city

Worldwide, a message for inhumanity

its peoples would do well to look-see-hear;

here, same sex couples live openly

in this long-time LGBT-friendly city

Copyright R. N. Taber 2018

Coming in from the Cold OR Gay in Shanghai

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

There is room for cautious optimism for LGBT rights in China.

Raymond Can Chi-Chuen is the first openly gay legislator in Hong Kong and Greater China although Hong Kong remains a largely conservative society.

(Photo taken from the Internet]

Runners of the Shanghai Pride Run in June 2016 wore rainbow shoelaces at the start of the race:

https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/04/17/its-still-just-about-ok-to-be-gay-in-china/

Meanwhile, Gay Pride perseveres, and let's we wish everyone involved LOTS of luck, love and peace.

https://www.shpride.com/2018/05/20/priderun/?lang=en

This poem is a villanelle  

COMING IN FROM THE COLD or GAY IN SHANGHAI 

In China, gay couples battle on

to regain equality as of old

across a present-day population 

Though an historical observation

bring us in from the cold,

in China, gay couples battle on 

What motive in non-recognition

of Human Rights, put on hold

across a present-day population?

Unable to marry, no legal adoption,

frozen out Society’s fold;

in China, gay couples battle on 

Far less financial-legal protection

(in a State’s deaf-blind fold)

across a present-day population 

Though we gay folks but human,

must we still suffer rejection?

in China, gay couples battle on

across a present-day population

Copyright R. N. Taber 2018