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

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.

"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.

"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.

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.

"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.

“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!