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I can reach more people this way, says transgender activist Kami of her modelling debut

I can reach more people this way, says transgender activist Kami of her modelling debut

The transgender community has remained backstage in the fashion world for too long, shares the activist turned model
Updated 28 Nov, 2016

Many people already know Kami Sid as an activist who has worked tirelessly for the transgender community in Pakistan.

The social worker has now decided to step into the fashion world and become Pakistan's first transgender model. In a photo shoot conceptualised by Waqar J Khan, Kami looks poised and elegant.

Kami looks fierce in the photoshoot. Photo: Publicity
Kami looks fierce in the photoshoot. Photo: Publicity

"When Waqar, who is also a friend of mine, approached me to do the shoot, I was totally on board but unsure about how it would do. I just feel it's a great platform and opportunity for me to not only explore my talents but also represent the transgender community with dignity in front of mainstream society," shares Kami.

Isn't she a natural?
Isn't she a natural?

"If I'll get more opportunities to represent myself in fashion shoots or weeks, like Mukhtaran Mai, I'll definitely avail them. The transgender community has remained backstage for too long, doing makeup or other errands. By now we should be able to come forward and let people know that we too are a force to be reckoned with."

The campaign highlights the importance of embracing and empowering transgender persons as productive members of society. Nighat Misbah of Depilex fame did Kami's makeup.

Kami reveals that although her dream wasn't to become a model, it will help the transgender community for her to appear in mainstream media
Kami reveals that although her dream wasn't to become a model, it will help the transgender community for her to appear in mainstream media

Although Kami shares that her family was not too encouraging about her becoming part of the entertainment industry, she felt that it was the next natural necessary step.

The photohoot is raw and gritty. Photo: Publicity.
The photohoot is raw and gritty. Photo: Publicity.

"I want to change the mindset of people in our society, so many don't grasp what gender and sexuality is. I want to sensitise people regarding all genders. My family doesn't support me in this endeavour but I feel people need to see us in the commercial fashion world, to create awareness. People know me as an activist but now, I can reach even more people as a model," she says.

Regardless of what her family feels, Kami has decided to venture into fashion. Photo: Publicity
Regardless of what her family feels, Kami has decided to venture into fashion. Photo: Publicity

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, if I lived through this, I can take the next thing that comes along.”

More power to you, Kami!

Comments

Dove Nov 28, 2016 03:47pm
Way to go Kami
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batooni Nov 28, 2016 03:49pm
Beautiful and Powerful..!! i hope you efforts bring peace and harmony to your life and all other around you. Good write up by author.!
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Akbar Nov 28, 2016 04:04pm
Keep it up !! You are breaking the shackles of centuries old mindset. It takes courage.
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Sunesara Nov 28, 2016 04:09pm
well fashion industry around the world owns transgender community let this progress begin to keep them in such a position in the society so they can live what they wishes to.. first step.. more to go
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Ash Nov 28, 2016 04:22pm
That's a great story. Pakistan Fashion Industry has done some wonderful things - earlier beautiful Mukhtar Mai and now this wonderful Kami. Keep it up, guys.
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Najum Nov 28, 2016 04:25pm
VERY NICE.
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aHMED Nov 28, 2016 04:35pm
Why can't they be provided with equal opportunities like everyone els?
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bilal Nov 28, 2016 05:59pm
keep it up
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Hamaad Nov 28, 2016 06:56pm
Transgenders should have equal opportunity to get education and employment in all fields
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Syed Zafar Kazmi U.s.a Nov 28, 2016 07:18pm
All people should have equal opportunity without being hindered by race, religion or color or lifestyle. More than that nobody should be in need to reveal, conceal or worse even advertise what is their preference in the area of lifestyle just as we never have to talk about an artist being heterosexual.
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Hasan Nov 28, 2016 08:49pm
You go girl! beautiful!
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akhan Nov 28, 2016 09:01pm
cultural and traditions are bound by time enforced by weeker mind. fight to stand next to not behind any one.. good and best of luck
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Agha Ata Nov 28, 2016 09:16pm
Feeling so happy to see transgenders living their lives with the mainstream in the country.
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ozzy Nov 28, 2016 10:13pm
@Akbar totally off topic by what mindset are you talking about? Are you calling the centuries old because they differ from yours?. Btw whats the 21st century mindset?, like is rhere a book that defines it or something.?. Truth is you chnage ur mindset everytime. The true mindset is the one which does not follow their wb8ms and desores.
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saeeds Nov 29, 2016 01:15am
Lovely pictures and great read.Each and Every person involved in this article are real heros of Pakistan.!
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TamilsElvan Nov 29, 2016 02:46am
For all those who support transgender merely by words we would appreciate if you would give them a job be it in your home or office and allow them to live in a degnified manner.
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Masood Nov 29, 2016 09:38am
Don't look back, just keep going!!!
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Shujaat Khan Nov 29, 2016 09:57am
A voice for neglected Pakistanis. Keep up the good work Kami.
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ak Nov 29, 2016 10:11am
Elegant yet like a punch in the social norms' gut. Way to go.
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Ike khetani Dec 03, 2016 08:14pm
Great work Kami People are proud of you and we in America LGBT's are so happy for your success and your hard work as activist and great model.
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