anonplz

I would be curious to hear about anyone's experiences with gay places in Pakistan. With regard to the subcontinent, India gets most of the media attention, Pakistan being regarded as a kind of poor relation and being mostly ignored, IMHO.

Beyond the safety concerns, which are undoubtedly significant, I'd like to hear about beaches and gathering spots, that sort of thing. I'm aware there are gay brothels in Karachi.

joel304

Please let us know how the Pakistani prisons are. Maybe when you get out (if you do) you can update us on the Saudi gay nightlife as well

dwsnc

Gee, how helpful was that?

Seeksreal

I have heard a few stories about gay encounters--especially with cops in Pakistan from a friend who used to live in Karachi as a diplomat. Apparently men have sex with men there because they have limited access to women--or at least that is the excuse. However, I don't know anything about a "gay scene" per se.

anonplz

LOL (I actually thought this was funny) Kinda like "Midnight Express"?

Well, let's just say that while a very sad fact of life for most gays in Pakistan - especially those who are former expatriates returning from a Western country - is that imprisonment is very possible - even perhaps likely?, I'm curious to know about experiences traveling in Pakistan from other gay men.

I did actually read a very good book on the subject written by a native Pakistani living now in Canada, about gay life there, "Sex Longing and Not Belonging" by Badruddin Khan. However, my experience tells me that there is probably a different Pakistan for the Pakistani than there is for outsiders. While this book was fun reading, I'd like to hear from other gay Westerners who have contemporary accounts of what's up.

Re: Saudi Arabia, non-muslims are not able to travel there, I thought, outside of oil workers or state department officials or members of the press? Would be interesting, but I can't stand the idea of spending my money in a state governed by such a regime. Pakistan is more moderate.

pynchonesque

Ah yes, this reminds me of anonplz's thread wherein he mentions he likes to speak French to "olive-skinned" people he sees around town; I suggested he try practicing his French in Algiers or Brazzaville (or his Russian in Kabul).

Did you try Google before tro, er, inquiring here?

Morrissey

Do you have any intention whatsoever of visiting Pakistan or are you simply trolling?

anonplz

Of course, but enquiring here is so much more fun, mon ami! LOL

Seriously, google is great, but when it comes to some kinds of information, it just isn't found except in firsthand accounts.

EDIT:

Um... is this a trick question? The answer is yes. But you knew that already.

pynchonesque

Uh, shockingly enough, FT isn't the only place on the web where one can find firsthand accounts of things.

Suspend disbelief for a second, and get your mind around this: there are websites by and for Pakistani gay men (in English), just a few Google keystrokes away. I think they'd have more experience with the Pakistani gay scene than FT'ers would -- although I suppose finding the information that way wouldn't be nearly as, umm, provocative.

GK

Non muslims can travel to Saudi Arabia, with a valid visa. It is just the holy cities which are off limits. I know this as I have been there.

If you don't want to spend money supporting Saudi Arabia.. then Citibank is offlimits for a start, along with a whole line of companies that have Saudi investors. Worth another thread I should think.

I am heading to Pakistan (Karachi) in March, and not expecting to do much apart from work, sleep and eat.. so don't expect it to be a very gay trip !

anonplz

All work and no play makes GK a dull boy, and we wouldn't want that, now!

peteropny

Just wanted to drop a warning to keep the thread on topic and not commentaries on other members.

peteropny - co-moderator - GLBT

nerdbirdsjc

Any recent Pakistan experiences?

Davvidd

The LBGT scene is a lot more compared to such a country. A lot of the weddings have the TS dancing. Some of them look stunning and from what I have seen the males are not averse to some romance with them too. Obviously these are private parties like weddings parties. Lahore seems to be pick of the bunch. Do not know about the gay scene but from what I have seen I am sure it must be there too.

daniellam

I was told that in these type of countries, if you need to hang out, just stick with other expats (can be from various other countries) who are in the same boat. Avoid the locals as they can change their mind and report you.