Pakistan Transgender Activist Hina Baloch Makes Viral Claim About Country's LGBTQ+ Demographics

Pakistani Transgender Activist Hina Baloch Sparks Debate on Sexuality in Pakistan

Pakistani transgender activist Hina Baloch has ignited a heated online discussion after claiming in a viral YouTube interview that 80 percent of Pakistan's population identifies as gay and the remaining 20 percent as bisexual. According to Baloch, these views are an "open secret" that society refuses to acknowledge due to social pressure, religious norms, and cultural denial.

The 37-minute conversation, which aired on the YouTube channel Queer Global, has been widely shared on social media. Baloch, who identifies as khawaja sira, a legally recognized third-gender category in Pakistan, argues that same-sex desire is more prevalent in Pakistan than public discourse admits. She believes that people in Pakistan are reluctant to openly discuss their sexuality, instead invoking religion and family honor to deflect the issue.

Baloch's experiences growing up in Karachi were marked by anxiety about gender expression, rather than sexual orientation. She faced challenges in presenting herself femininely without facing violence or punishment at home. "I was worried about how to apply lipstick without getting lots of shit from the family for that," she said. "How do I get to dress feminine, wear jewelry, and not get the beatings?"

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Baloch has a long history of activism, which began with her involvement in organizing for gender and minority rights. She co-founded Sindh Moorat March and participated in Pakistan's Aurat March. However, her activism has also come with a price. She has previously spoken about facing violent retaliation after raising a Pride flag at a protest and surviving abduction and abuse by law enforcement.

Key Figures in Baloch's Journey

Baloch's experiences have also led her to seek refuge in the UK, where she secured a scholarship to SOAS, University of London. However, she has criticized Britain's asylum system, comparing the constant surveillance and suspicion to "open-air detention." Her comments have sparked further debate on the human rights of marginalized communities in Pakistan and the challenges they face in seeking refuge and protection abroad.

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