The Kahani Of: Muhammad Burhan, Speaker & Activist
This month, we had a long, eye opening (and heart-wrenching) conversation with Muhammad Burhan - an extremely inspiring speaker, climate, and LGBTQ+ transgender activist. Burhan has also worked as a product manager building energy efficient products in the tech space, and is now considering going to law school (we certainly hope they do). Burhan grew up in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, without the knowledge of knowing what being gay or queer meant. Growing up in Pakistan, they observed the financial and social discrepancy up close - in terms of freedom, rights, lifestyle, education, resources, and more. Burhan has been academically driven since day one and succeeded immensely in school - and was able to acquire scholarships to attend a prestigious high school in Pakistan. Burhan experienced bullying from a young age, and began promoting inclusivity from a very early age, while also speaking up about toxic masculinity and women’s rights in high school.
Fast forward to their experience in the US - Burhan moved independently to the US at seventeen. By moving to the US, Burhan garnered more knowledge about the LGBTQ+ communities, the history behind rights (and ongoing bills being passed), and began exploring themselves through fashion. At nineteen, Burhan was a signed model traveling the world with various agencies to walk for different brands. With this experience, they witnessed firsthand the discrimination that exists towards South Asians, Muslims, and LGBTQ+ folks, and Transgender individuals in the modeling space. Presenting oneself as more masculine is frowned upon, making it difficult for others to accept transgender individuals - especially if they aren’t presenting themself as femme, or the most “dolled up” version of themselves. Trans or queer individuals are often only accepted if they appear straight passing, or palatable for mainstream media.
Burhan stopped modeling after experiencing little to no support, and cases of horrible discrimination. Their purpose and work then shifted towards the tech industry, while becoming more involved in local politics. Burhan explained to us (and we often do see this happening in various capacities) that current platforms - specifically South Asian platforms - are fighting for privilege, rather than fighting for freedom, inclusivity, and equality. Interestingly enough, most of their successes have been in Non-South Asian spaces. So much for the representation and inclusivity we all boast about.
During the Provincetown Pride rally in 2023, Muhammad Burhan talked about growing up non-binary in Muslim Pakistan where living out can be fatal.
Now, Burhan works regularly to fight against the hundreds of anti-trans/drag bills in the US, while also building and empowering grassroots movements in Pakistan. While we might not think about it consciously - or be aware of this - what goes on politically and socially in the US has a ripple effect across the world. It’s quite easy for privileged people (this goes for privileged folks around the world) to ignore how xenophobic laws impact underprivileged individuals. This is something to think about, and act against in a conscious manner. Classism seems to trump any kind of marginalized people - if you’re LGBTQ+ and wealthy, you may not necessarily speak up against Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and laws if it impacts status and money.
The Provincetown Pride Center recently held its inaugural public event featuring Muhammad Burhan. The conversation, led by Stephen Desroches, focused on the impact of extremist right-wing American politics on LGBTQ+ policies worldwide.
Burhan's experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and equality. Despite facing discrimination and bullying from a young age, Burhan has become an inspiring activist for climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Their experiences in both Pakistan and the US have given them a unique perspective on the challenges faced by marginalized communities around the world. Burhan's work to fight against anti-trans/drag bills in the US and empower grassroots movements in Pakistan is a testament to their dedication to fostering a more just and equitable world. As we continue to navigate complex political and social issues, it's important to remember that our actions can have a ripple effect across the globe, and to prioritize fighting for freedom, inclusivity, and equality over personal privileges.
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