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Hamid ZaherAfghan writer, gay rights activist
Country:
 Canada |
Content:
- Afghan Writer and Gay Rights Activist
- Discovering His Identity
- A Life of Concealment
- A Journey to Freedom
- A Revolution in Writing
- The Price of Authenticity
Afghan Writer and Gay Rights Activist
Hamid Zaher is an Afghan writer and gay rights activist who has gained international recognition for his courageous memoir about being gay in Afghanistan. Born in a small Afghan village, Hamid faced immense challenges due to his sexual orientation and the oppressive laws criminalizing homosexuality in his homeland.
Discovering His Identity
From a young age, Hamid knew that he was different from others. However, growing up in a conservative Muslim community made it impossible for him to express his true self. He learned to hide his thoughts and refrain from asking questions that might expose his femininity. It was not until he turned 15 that Hamid fully realized and accepted his attraction to men.
A Life of Concealment
Forced to wear a mask, Hamid struggled to suppress his femininity. Eventually, he was "outed" and given the derogatory nickname "Aizak," which refers to individuals without reproductive organs. Hamid understood that being open about his sexuality would not only lead to criminal prosecution, potentially resulting in his execution, but also bring shame upon his family. He hid his true self throughout his school years and continued to do so during his time as a university student.
A Journey to Freedom
As Hamid reached the age of 25, his family began pressuring him to marry, prompting him to leave Afghanistan. He embarked on a journey that took him through Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey before finally finding refuge in Canada in 2008. It was in Canada that Hamid published his autobiography, "It is your enemy who is dock-tailed," which candidly describes the struggles of being gay in Afghanistan. The title is a reference to an Arabic phrase used to describe individuals who do not leave behind offspring.
A Revolution in Writing
While his book received little attention in Afghanistan, it garnered international interest. However, due to the deep-rooted stigma against homosexuality, few Afghans openly admit to reading it. Nevertheless, Hamid's memoir continues to be widely downloaded online, even though readers refrain from leaving comments. The silence surrounding his book speaks volumes about the prevailing attitudes towards homosexuality in Afghanistan.
The Price of Authenticity
Hamid paid a heavy price for his honesty. His family officially disowned him, refusing any association with homosexuality. Despite the pleas from his brothers to refrain from publishing the book, he remained true to himself and decided to break the silence surrounding the lives of gay individuals in Afghanistan. While losing his family was a painful sacrifice, Hamid feels empowered and grateful to live authentically without shame. He cherishes the opportunity that Canada, his new home, has given him to be unapologetically himself and share his truth with the world.
