Her efforts were recognised by the Galas Award, which highlights the work of LGBTQ+ activists.

Updated 11 Feb, 2020

Prominent transgender social activist and political worker, Nayyab Ali, was recently presented with the coveted International Activist of the Year award for her work.

Her efforts were recognised by The Galas Awards, which highlights the work of LGBTQ+ activists.

Ali was among four nominated by Amnesty International, Frontline Defenders, and the International LGBT Action Foundation. The four nominees were from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan for the gala award.

The ceremony was held in Dublin, Ireland; Ali couldn’t attend the ceremony on account of falling sick. She did, however, record a video thanking the attendees for the award.

Ali is a transgender rights defender and Chairperson of the All Pakistan Transgender Election Network. She also manages the ‘Khawaja Sira Community Centre’ in Okara, which offers a basic literacy and numeracy programme, vocational training, life skills education and driving classes for the transgender community.

In 2018, Nayyab was one of the four transgender candidates who ran for Pakistan’s general elections and has also been leading the advocacy efforts for the approval of Pakistan’s National Transgender Rights Protection Policy.

Comments

M. Saeed Feb 11, 2020 02:30pm

Unique honor for Nayab.

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M. Emad Feb 11, 2020 02:36pm

Pakistan Government should include transgender/ LGBT people in national census as the third gender.

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Indian Feb 11, 2020 03:24pm

Wishes from India. Wish you lengthy happy successful life.

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Saira Feb 11, 2020 05:08pm

So proud to see your achievement! More power to you!

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Ibrahim S Feb 11, 2020 05:55pm

We support you whole heartedly . They should be integrated with every segment of society , from school, religious to work places same as any other person. Just curious how do they practice their religion assuming majority are born as Muslim. Can some please comment .

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Dr. Doctor Feb 11, 2020 06:15pm

There's a difference between a eunuch, transgender, transexual and hemaphrodite. Khawaja siras by definition from encompass all. Pakistani media completely misreports and misrepresents it. Masses are probably also not fully aware because of lack of awareness. Only one condition out of the 4 mentioned above is a lifestyle choice, rest one can do nothing about.

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MBA Feb 12, 2020 04:18am

Ms. Ali must be a very couragous person to defend the rights of transgender in our society! The award is more than justified.

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abdulrahman Feb 12, 2020 04:27am

Congratulations! Keep doing the good work! Now, I think there should be a comprehensive program for the trans from the government. Pick up the talented, educated, skilled trans and make able to establish firms, businesses, small educational institutions especially for the trans because there will be always impartiality with them whether we agree or disagree with this point of view. Let them prove that they not less than men and women. Good luck to all the self-reliance and proud trans!

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Pure ind Feb 12, 2020 07:14am

She is the true representative of Pakistan. Best wishes to her.

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