Dr. Mehrub Moiz Awan, a transgender activist, was invited to speak at the Ted x ISL on 20th August however much to her dismay, she was “barred” from speaking at the event because, according to her, some parents didn’t want a transgender person speaking to their kids.
She took to her social media to call out the alleged discrimination she faced for being transgender. Dr. Mehrub. stated “I was informed that I am being removed from the speakers panel because some parents have stated that they can’t allow transgender people to speak to their kids. This is the International School Lahore btw. No objections to the talk, no additional censorship, just flat out refusal because “parents ko aitraaz hai k koi transgender talk day””
People were quick to react to her tweets, most came out to support her and call out the “transphobia” displayed by the parents at ISL (International School Lahore).
Maria B Reacts To The Ban
Things took a fiery turn when renowned designer Maria B, whose children also go to the ISL, took to Instagram to applaud the school’s decision. “We as parents will decide who real models are for our kids,” she explained.
Maria B Gets Nods Of Approval From Twitterati
Her statement has caused a frenzy on social media & sparked a multitude of reactions. The internet is divided, some are applauding Maria B while others are speaking out in support of Dr. Mehrub. Take a look:
“This person is not a transgender but a normal healthy man as a transgender he wants to bring obscene campaign like GBLT to Pakistan boycott this beast. Thank you so much Maria B“
“Stop using transphobia word for your defence. Maria b is right, you’re not “khwajasira” or we can say intersex. You’re a man trying to be a “woman””
“Had no idea Maria B could do this! More power to her ?”
“Maria B‘s argument isn’t flawed on this one and her statement is in live with Islam as well unlike a murtad such as you who goes on emotional rants”
“What Maria B said completely makes sense. Good for her for speaking the truth.”
“I’m sure all those people cursing Maria B doesn’t know the difference between Transgender and Hermaphrodite”
“He is not transgender by birth. He is a man, who embarked on a propaganda-based journey to spread fasad, fitnah, and immorality in an Islamic state. This won’t be tolerated here. Maria B has earned my respect for having to deal with liberal terrorists”
“What the whole fuss is about? Maria B is right, massive respect to her and plz plz fir once y’all should use your brain cells and stop supporting that bully. He should be banned for good”
Supportive Messages Pour In For Dr. Mehrub
“I love you for being you Moiz, as you said: We aren’t pretending to be men or women; we are being who we are, what we feel, what we know, and where we want to be. We aren’t a gender; we are a people!. “Moiz Mehrub””
“In solidarity with you. Constitution of Pakistan protects your rights as a citizen. No one can dictate gender identity for any other human nor snatch away their freedom of expression by any ill-suited ill-informed means/agendas.”
“The level of entitlement that it takes for Maria B to post this is astounding. Not only is transphobic af, but the confidence to actually voice this out loud. Your kids would be lucky to have mehrub speak to them and share her amazing insights. Your loss!”
“ONE THING. one thing the south Asians got a little accepting of and she’s ruining it”
“Transphobia is unacceptable and as an educator, these are not the values I want institutions to encourage. In solidarity with Dr. Mehrub Moiz Awan who is being silenced for her trans identity, I am boycotting and will no longer be speaking at TEDx ISL.”
“Fashion designer Maria B continues to be a disgrace. Last time it was negligence, this time its hate speech. How can someone be this unaware?!”
There is already an unbearable amount of hate and negativity on social media, and contributing to that negativity would always add fuel to the fire. While one must be vocal about the rights and wrongs of society, it is also important to be mindful of the consequences that your actions or (in the case of social media, your posts) may bear. Thus, matters of such sensitivity could be better settled privately.
This is a developing story.
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