Iman Ali receives backlash after gender-biased comment

One of the versatile actresses of Pakistan, Iman Ali had recently made an appearance on Wasay Chaudhary’s Talk Show after a very long gap. In the interview, the Mah-e-Meer actress had discussed her personal life, her marriage, her insecurities, her perception of her own beauty, and keeping a low profile on social media. She also spoke about her struggle with body image issues and how she doesn’t find herself beautiful.

“I do not like the way I look. And especially when I receive compliments from people that I am good looking, I stand in front of my mirror and think ‘they are lying,” the 40-year-old former model said.

When host Vasay Chahudary asked if she ever thought about changing the mirror, she responded:

“I would need to change my camera as well then. I cannot take my own pictures. Whatever angle I try, I think ‘aye haye, khusra’.”

Social media users are translating her comments as gender-insensitive for drawing a parallel between the transgender community and ugliness.

I get iman ali’s going through something tough so she feels insecure and it’s okay she can feel whatever she wants to but whats with using khusra as an insulting word or a synonym for ugly?? This is so not acceptable. Rude and insensitive

— U got it ?? (@droopythedogg) June 9, 2021

Iman Ali statement doesn’t even surprise me anymore. That’s how majority of Pakistan think of transgenders. They will use them as an insult “As A jOke” without giving it a second thought how deeply it affects the trans community & shapes a negative narrative for them.

— Amna (@Amnaa_arshad) June 10, 2021

What #ImanAli said isn’t a thought, but an instinct. The nation is programmed with instincts to ridicule everything that isn’t like them. Disabilities, transgenders, mental illnesses, differently abled, people on autism spectrum, &. different beliefs are instinctively ridiculed.

— Ergo Peter Parker Bewaja (@RstyClinomaniac) June 10, 2021

Transgender activist and researcher Aisha Mughal urged celebrities like Iman to act more responsibly toward the marginalized segments of the society:

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

Rabia Anum bashes Iman Ali over transgender remarks

“Iman Ali now thinks ‘khusra’ is okay to use as a demeaning word,” said Rabia. “And these people are paid to be in these shows.”

Transgender people have been discriminated against in Pakistan for a long time. They are subjected to harassment, violence, and exclusion from education and employment. Although the Trans Protection Act 2018 calls for legal recognition of Trans genders, there’s a lot that needs to be done to ensure their basic rights on the ground.