Short Summary
Hi there,
I'm Eiynah, a Pakistani-Canadian blogger/artist who writes about sexuality in Pakistan. I may not live there, but I dream of a progressive Pakistan as opposed to the extremist state it is close to becoming.
I don't usually write content specifically for children, though that's something I've always wanted to do. Recently, I wrote and illustrated a children's book set in Pakistan dealing with the issue of homophobia.
With all the religious intolerance and extremism I believe its important to push back with the arts and with education. The best way to do this in my humble opinion is to start early and teach our children tolerance and diversity from a young age.
I would also like to show the rest of the world that *all* Pakistanis cannot be defined by the terrorism and intolerance you see in the media. We are a varied people, amongst us there are many kind, gentle and diversity loving souls. But sadly, those voices are drowned out or silenced by extremists.
Some have, predictably, found this book 'controversial'. Equality, should not be controversial...but sadly...it is. Has been...throughout history, in different contexts.
Education is key to combatting such a mindset.
What We Need & What You Get
We are trying to raise a goal of $5000 CAD to help fund our first print run.
We need money for;
-printing/publishing
-having it shipped to us
-making/sending press kits
-donations & giveaways
-shipping donations to Pakistan
-promotions
-misc fees from indiegogo, bank
-printing posters
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If we don't reach our goal, we will try to do a smaller print run. If we exceed our goal, we will do a larger print run, with more promotion. :)
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We will of course have perks for our contributors. Things such as;
-Signed copies of the book
-Prints/Posters
-Personalized digital thank you cards from Ahmed and his Chacha
-Shout outs on Twitter
The Impact
I would be lying if I said my book was only for children, it comes in the form of a children's book but this issue needed to be simplified for multiple age groups. In the West some countries may have come a long way in terms of LGBT rights, but in Pakistan we are only just starting to have this conversation, and we certainly are not having it in schools. Its about time we started.
When I posted this on my blog, http://nicemangos.blogspot.ca/2014/02/my-chacha-is-gay.html I was overwhelmed by the love and international attention it received. I had no idea it would strike a chord with so many, It got over 10, 000 hits in the first 48 hours! After many requests to crowd fund and self-publish...here we are! Now I need your help!
A contribution to this project could help change history. In Pakistan, homosexuality is still illegal.
We'd be happy to donate copies to any school in Pakistan that would accept our donation. Right now, we are working on finding such an open-minded educational institution. Even if one copy makes it in, and we can all collectively make enough noise - it will make a difference, and will give strength to those who do not have the luxury of being open about who they are.
In a world where we live in fear of radicalization, etc. Its important to watch and encourage steps towards progress - whether you are Pakistani or not. And it is important to challenge stereotypes as well. This is a side of Pakistan that many do not get to see....but its there!
We're excited that we are already receiving positive feedback from school teachers in the Greater Toronto Area! We are also receiving requests from volunteers to help translate the book into different languages for a wider reach online! You can check out the Italian version here: http://www.ilgrandecolibri.com/2014/03/libro-gay-bambini-pakistan.html
Other Ways You Can Help
Please help us spread the word, tell your friends and family - read the book to your children, and let me know what they think! Make some noise on social media for us and talk about the campaign! Thank you xx
