Sathi Foundation is an organization that has been working together with a group of Transgenders to bring them in a more organized shape, so they can take organized actions for their rights and justice. It comprises of more than 400 members of Lahore community and they are in the process of expanding their network across the country. They are actively engaged in advocating for their rights and justice and taking part in the HIV & AIDS related activities in their communities. They have their own office where all the members come and discuss about their issues. Simultaneously, they have also been providing services to their community members from condom distribution to STIs management to care and support. Over the period Sathi foundation has been able to maintain its visibility. The determination of Sathi foundation and the members is what drives them ahead.

1. What is the situation of MSM in Pakistan?
   
   In Pakistan, traditionally and till date people make fun of MSM. They have no status in the society. People invite them on their festivals, family occasions, marriages etc. but only for pleasure. They are facing social and financial problems. They are hated by their parents; neighbors, police and even the doctors during treatment taunt them that they are ill because of their sexual behaviors. Cases of violence against MSMs are common. People think they are bad. Their major problems are listed here under
   
   
   • family rejection
   • jobless / no reasonable work
   • Neglect by the family/ friends
   • Safety nets avoidance of provision of help to the MSMs.
   • Harassment
   • Have no identity whether he or she
   
   
   
2. What were the challenges you faced while setting up Sathi foundation, professionally and personally?
   
   Professionally: many NGO members stopped us from registering as an organization. They offered us Rs.10000-20000 for this purpose. They also misguided us; they claimed that their voices will be heard only by them. “You are not the one whose voice will fascinate the donors”, they said. Moreover when I went to the office for registration of Sathi Foundation they all made fun of us and refused to register the organization by saying that we are going to make a forum for our sexual activities. After paying them a handsome amount, we got the registration.
   
   Personally:
   faced financial problems. Even our own MSM community created problems. They told us that we are going to run a Fahashi ada (brothel place) for us and our friends.
   
   
3. Recent data’s have shown high rates of HIV prevalence among MSM. Why do you think we are seeing such high rates?
   
   MSM communities are very common in every place. In our society as well having sex with women (Zana) is prohibited but to have relation with men is fine. If a person is arrested in a case having sex with a woman he will be behind the bars but in other case (with men) he will get free after some time. So people avoid going to female prostitutes. As we are from other gender, in our case we are arrested, we get free after entertaining the police men. Another reason is that MSMs charge a very low price, in some cases they agree to have sex only for Rs. 10. Most of the MSM communities were unaware about the function of condom usage; they thought that condoms were only used for family planning purposes. That was because of lack of awareness which made them unaware about safe sexual practices.
   
   
4. What is the response of the government and civil societies in Pakistan?
   
   Government response is very bad. Firstly they did not admit that HIV & AIDS is a major issue in Pakistan. Though we have no identity, no status in the society the government is mum at the situation. Government commitment and approaches that are being undertaken to reduce the basis for fears, including providing information, counseling, capacity building, and provision of services to the people living with HIV & AID are not functioning as said.
   
   Civil Societies are playing the same role. Only some volunteers and the organizations which are working on HIV & AIDS are sensitized about our issues and problems. They are working for theis cause; they are arranging workshops, seminars, open discussions, public awareness sessions about our safety nets.
   
   
5. What is the level of stigma and discrimination faced by MSMs?
   
   The level of stigma and discrimination is at a high level. We are not only insulted by our own families/relatives but also by the society and higher authorities as a whole.
   
   
6. What is your message to all those dealing with MSM?
   
   Our message is “Love for all”. We are thankful to APACHA Pakistan and Action aid Pakistan who are helping us morally, spritually and financially. After their struggle we are able to know about our own rights and now we are empowered to raise voice for our rights, also awareness about safety nets is increasing day by day. Thanks again for recognizing us as a Human.