Today we are here to talk about KM Mahfuzur Rahman, an openly gay man of Bangladeshi descent. He is also a bold protagonist cum activist of the LGBTQ community. His writing has been published in several blogs, Magazines etc.
We had the opportunity to talk to him about his activity which he would describe as a “fight for the right” as well as his personal journey to overcome the obstacles. His passion for his beliefs and ideals was unmistakable throughout his responses. It was certainly an inspiring experience to be able to chat with someone who has come through multiple obstacles just to establish his identity, yet still bearing his affiliative smile.
LGBT24: Mr. Rahman, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. We have only heard good things about you.
Rahman: It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me. I would also like to take the opportunity to put forward the utmost respect that I have for the work that you do.
LGBT24: That’s very kind of you to say that. Speaking of work, as an activist you have always represented the LGBTQ community and quite boldly made your stance on the rights of that community. What inspires you to do such work?
Rahman: (With a smile) I believe any fight for justice has always been deeply rooted in one’s experience of inequity. To put it in the simplest words, I would have to say it all begins from my own personal experiences as a gay person.
LGBT24: Well said, your work has always attracted a lot of attention, which I would take as an indication of passion from the readers about what you had to say. Why do you think that is?
Rahman: Indeed, since the beginning of my writing I had been getting a lot of positive reactions to my contents as well as negative ones. My primary objective since I started writing was to give voice to hundreds of thousands of people in the LGBTQ community who are facing the oppression to establish their identity which is their birthright. But sadly even today people from different parts of the world, including the country that I am from (Bangladesh), do not seem to share the idea that any human being has the right to be or openly admit how they are or how they want to be. But regardless of the negativity, I have also been fortunate to get the support of a lot of people like me or the ones that share the value. And to also answer your first question as well, it has also been a great source of my inspiration.
LGBT24: You mention contradicting ideologies from different parts of the world including Bangladesh. How would you describe the current atmosphere surrounding the LGBTQ community and their rights?
Rahman: It is sad indeed, that how people are still treated differently due to their sexual orientations, especially considering that it is the 21st century when part of the world is celebrating the rights of LGBTQ community where countries like Bangladesh or neighboring country like Brunei carrying on laws that devalue this moral. Bangladesh particularly still recognizes homosexuality/bisexuality as a punishable offense. The Bangladesh Penal Code 377 forms the legal basis of deciding how a homosexual/bisexual person is to be punished. It is a sad state of affairs, but it is the truth. There are I believe scores of people like me, gay or lesbian who never came out vocal from fear of social backlash first and foremost. The legal ramifications are an afterthought compared to the life of humiliation and prejudice they have to look forward to when they come out. Some are cast aside even by their parents. In fact, I can say in a summary that, Bangladesh disowned us indirectly as if we are animals.
LGBT24: As you have mentioned earlier your inspiration for work is deeply rooted in your personal experience. Would you mind talking about those experiences of living in Bangladesh as a gay person?
Rahman: (Taking a deep breath, and putting on his smile again) I am glad that you have asked me that question. As a Muslim country, it is the norm in Bangladesh that one grows up in an environment where the radical teaching of Islam and its ramifications on matters of everyday life is almost unescapable. Mine wasn’t any different. And I was aware of my attraction towards boys from a quite young age. Although I wasn’t sure at that time that this would eventually be my sexual preference. At the age of 13/14 when I was fully convinced of my desires. (Smiling again) And even though now I consider that as fortunate, I used to think of myself as unfortunate to discover this at that time. Because it was the fear, the judgment, and the hatred that surrounded me every time when I used to think of how I am. It wasn’t something anyone would want to live by where they will have to conceal their identity on day to day basis.
LGBT24: That certainly is if not the most tragic thing to go through. However, I was surprised by how you said you were glad that I asked you about this.
Rahman: (Smiling again) Although it is true that what I had been through from an early age, was not easy. But, I also believed that perhaps sharing my experience might help another person like me to realise that they are not alone in their fight for their right. And sooner or later people will except us around the world as to how we are. But till then our activity continues for the ones that cannot speak.
LGBT24: We are at the end of our time Mr.Rahman, but I do not think this interview could have been concluded on a better or more hopeful note for the future. I am certain that a lot of our readers will be supported and moved by your words. Once again thank you for joining us today and wish you all the very best for the path ahead.
Rahman: Thank you for having me here today and I am truly grateful for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with the readers of LGBT24NEWS.
