Ep68. In conversation with Ali Arefi & Basira Paigham (گفت و شنود با علی عارفی و بصیره پیغام)🌈
Note: Please note that while our introduction is in English, our deep-dive conversation with Ali Jan and Basira Jan unfolds in the beautiful Farsi.
Welcome to Episode 68 of the Jaad-e Maiwand Podcast.
I had the great privilege to sit down with two exceptional individuals from the global LGBTQI community. We were joined by Basira Paigham, an inspirational Afghan queer living in Dublin, Ireland, who is a prominent leader in the Afghan LGBT community. Alongside Basira, we had the opportunity to speak with Ali Arefi, the dynamic host of Radio Ranginkaman (Radio Rainbow), a crucial media platform for the Iranian, Afghan, and Tajik LGBTQI communities.
In our riveting conversation, we delved into an array of topics, shining a light on everything from Pride Month celebrations and coming out stories to the personal journeys of our guests. We explored the unique and often challenging circumstances of the LGBTQI communities in Afghanistan and Iran, giving voice to those living under severe restrictions and societal pressures.
One of the major themes that came up in our discussion was the Afghan LGBT community's powerful slogan: "We want a world in which everyone can live in freedom and justice." This longing for inclusivity and fairness resonated deeply with me, and I was able to discuss how these ideals can be realized, not just for the Afghan LGBT community, but for marginalised communities worldwide.
We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to both Basira and Ali for taking the time to join us in this important conversation. Their courage and resilience serve as an inspiration to us all.
Lastly, we want to thank you, our listeners, for being a part of this journey towards understanding and acceptance. Your engagement and support are invaluable. If this episode touched or enlightened you in any way, we encourage you to like, comment, and share the show. By doing so, we can reach a wider audience, increase awareness, and hopefully make a tangible difference. Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on our podcast, and remember, every voice matters 🌈
Resources related to this Episode:
- Afghan LGBT: www.afghanlgbt.com
- Radio Ranginkaman (Radio Rainbow): https://radioranginkaman.org/?page_id=3234
