Iman Ali received backlash from fans on social media when her comments about associating ugliness with being a “khusra” went online. The model and actress was a guest on the show “Ghabrana Nahi Hai” with Vasay Chaudhry and was asked about her struggle with body issues, Iman said that she doesn’t like the way she looks in the mirror:
“I don’t like the way I look. I would have to change out of my pajamas. I also have to keep trying different angles because I look in the mirror and think ‘aye hai khusra‘”
View this post on Instagram
Transgender activists in Pakistan had spoken out against this comment and said that equating ugliness with being a trans person was degrading to their community, who have been working hard for decades to recognize transgenders as equal citizens of Pakistan.
Transgender activist and researcher Aisha Mughal took to Twitter to condemn Iman Ali’s comments by saying that celebrities need to think before saying anything on a public platform:
“The celebrities should act in a responsible way while giving interviews. @ImanAli0 if you think you are ugly, fine, BUT do not relate ugliness with Khusra or Transgender persons. We are beautiful, strong, successful and productive citizen of Pakistan.”
The celebrities should act in a responsible way while giving interviews. @ImanAli0 if you think you are ugly, fine, BUT do not relate ugliness with Khusra or Transgender persons. We are beautiful, strong, successful and productive citizen of Pakistan. @mohrpakistan @reportpemra pic.twitter.com/F5kJbpuBC6
— Aisha Mughal (@_aishamughal) June 9, 2021
Aradhiya Khan a transgender activist and researcher from Karachi had also taken to Twitter to point out that a famous model like Iman Ali equating ugliness with being a transgender was playing into the negative stereotypes already associated with the community:
“How sad is this actually see such comment and statements from these so-called celebrities “You associating your ugliness and complexion with my gender identity and my community” Shame on you #ImanAli we’re the finest of them all educated, progressive”
The activist then went on that transgender people in this country have been working hard for decades to improve their image as hard working and accomplished people, but Iman Ali’s comments prove that she has not tried to educate herself on the community:
“We’re more developed since decades Our work n talent actually talk in it own unique way, my work trans are shown to me the people positive way their is, Unfortunately this woman maybe considered”conventionally beautiful” but her heart and mind is ugly”
‘Aye Haye Khusra’ Part (1/2)
How sad is this actually see such comment and statements from these so-called celebrities “You associating your ugliness and complexion with my gender identity and my community” Shame on you #ImanAli we’re the finest of them all educated, progressive pic.twitter.com/x6EeT7RQiK— Aradhiya Khan (@AradhiyaKhan4) June 9, 2021
‘Aye Haye Khusra’ Part (2/2)
We’re more developed since decades Our work n talent actually talk in it own unique way, my work trans are shown to me the people positive way their is, Unfortunately this woman maybe considered”conventionally beautiful” but her heart and mind is ugly https://t.co/42GRxS0kQI— Aradhiya Khan (@AradhiyaKhan4) June 9, 2021
