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Pakistani Trans Activist’s ‘80% Gay, 20% Bisexual’ Claim Draws Scrutiny

The unverified claim is forcing a rare public look at sexuality kept private by fear plus strict social rules.

Overview

  • Hina Baloch, a Karachi-born transgender rights advocate, said in a Queer Global interview that most Pakistanis are gay or bisexual, with the clip circulating widely Saturday.
  • She called sexuality in Pakistan an open secret, saying many people hide who they are because of religion, family honor, and social pressure.
  • News outlets note she offered no data to support the 80% and 20% figures, with online reaction split between support and sharp criticism.
  • Baloch co-founded the Sindh Moorat March and joined the Aurat March, and she says threats, a Pride-flag backlash, and abuse by authorities pushed her to leave Pakistan for study at SOAS in London.
  • Coverage places her remarks in a broader picture of the khawaja sira community facing job barriers and stigma that funnel many into begging, dancing, or sex work, which helps explain why many keep their identities private.