Pakistani Man Who Tried to Start Pakistan’s First Gay Club After Returning from the UK Is Sent to a Mental Hospital.
A Pakistani individual who attempted to establish the country’s inaugural gay club upon his return from the UK has been admitted to a mental hospital.
According to reports from the Telegraph, the man, whose identity remains undisclosed, submitted an application to establish the club in Abbottabad, a conservative city in the northern region of Pakistan with a population of nearly 240 million.
In his application to city authorities, the man proposed naming the club Lorenzo, emphasizing its potential as a valuable resource for homosexual, bisexual, and even some heterosexual individuals in Abbottabad and beyond.
However, homosexuality is outlawed in Pakistan, carrying potential prison sentences of up to two years. Moreover, the deeply conservative societal norms in the country present significant challenges for openly gay individuals.
Following intense backlash from local citizens and politicians, the man was transferred to the Sarhad Hospital for Psychiatric Diseases in Peshawar on May 9.
He faced severe criticism from various quarters, including the conservative religious group Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI), whose leader alleged that the applicant had recently returned from the UK.
Amid threats of violence from far-right political figures, the man’s friends expressed fear for his safety, as they were unable to visit him or obtain information about his condition.
Before his hospitalization, the man emphasized his commitment to advocating for human rights, particularly for marginalized communities in Pakistan. He expressed determination to continue his efforts, even if faced with resistance from authorities
His application stressed that the club would strictly prohibit sexual activity on the premises, including a prominently displayed notice prohibiting such behavior. He hoped that legal safeguards would protect the rights of club attendees, similar to recent rulings in India.