Daily Times

Tell us about your foray into the fields of modelling, acting and activism. How did it all begin for you?

I may be a model, actor and an activist but it is really activism that is the closest to my heart. You need to passionately feel about something in order to take up activism. No one can pay you to become one. If someone from my community would call me even at 4am, I would immediately head over to the police station to resolve the issue. I ventured into activism in 2012 with a non-governmental organisation that aimed to spread awareness regarding HIV Aids. Slowly and gradually, I realised that there were other issues too that needed to be voiced. I also strongly wanted to work for my community which was need of the hour. I began working for human rights and now when I look at Sindh, I feel that things are getting better but awareness regarding many issues still needs to be spread. Empowerment of women and of transgender community lacks in Sindh. As far as modelling and acting is concerned, I stepped in this field accidentally and unintentionally. I joined modelling because I wanted to show the world how capable and talented transgender persons can be. All they need is an opportunity and a platform. I also worked in a few drama serials other than working in the film ‘Rani’. Another film of mine is coming up and I’m also in the process of writing a film myself. It’ll be about transgender love. Just because God has made you a certain way, doesn’t mean you can’t do anything with your life.

Tell us about your name. Is it a pen name or a birth one? What has been the history behind it?

A child has to accept whatever name his/her parents give them. However, I go by my nickname Kami. Everyone knows me by this name. It’s become official now and I’m very comfortable with it. Not just my name, I’m comfortable with who and what I am, I’m comfortable in my own skin, the same way every person should be.

What has been the most satisfying contribution by you for LGBTQ rights so far? How much does Pakistan need to catch up on the front as compared to the rest of the world?

I mostly stand for the youth’s rights. Along with working for transgender community’s rights, I work for LGBQ rights as well on national level. Issues need to be highlighted. Just by voicing the issue be it on any medium is very encouraging for your community. I keep doing advocacy and awareness programmes every chance I get but the main focus is on the empowerment of the transgender community.

Tell us about your experience with modelling. How embracing has the fashion world been with you?

I had zero knowledge about the field when I entered modelling. As the days went by, I started meeting more people and getting their support. Recently, I walked the ramp for Hum Showcase which was a very big platform. I rubbed shoulders with all the top models. No person is bigger than you and no profession is superior to yours. The only thing that matters is whether equal opportunities are being given to all and how you conduct yourself.

What have been some of the challenges you faced initially when you decided to take up modelling?

There has not been one but several. Firstly, my family doesn’t support me joining modelling. Seventy percent of people in our society still believe that modelling and acting are not honourable professions. However, I just want to get this one message across to them that modelling and acting can be as honourable as becoming a doctor or an engineer. As I model, I’m getting paid for my work. I’ve faced a lot of challenges in my life. Modelling is a far fledged thing, the fact that I’m a transgender person is a challenge itself. But you know what? I’m happy with who and what I am and can never trade this for anything else. I come from a middle class family and just to make them understand what I do is a humongous challenge. I believe if you’re good at something and are doing it right, then continue doing it.

It’s very hard. In Pakistan, nobody wants transgender persons to come forward. All they do is look at us scornfully, point fingers at us, spread terrible rumours about us and even go to the extent of saying that we’re fake transgender persons

How did ‘Rani’ come about? How did you decide that was the perfect film for you to debut with?

‘Rani’ happened before my modelling days. The makers approached me one day and told me that they didn’t want to cast a mainstream actor and make him play a transgender, rather they wanted me for it. So I gave an audition and came home. I got their call back and they told me I was selected. Viewers don’t know the hard work put behind a film. All they do is come and watch the film but they should know how hard we work. Making a film is not easy. However, I’m so happy with the response I got both from my home country and from abroad. It was screened at the Festival de Cannes which is a huge thing.

You recently announced that you’ll be working in a big budget film. Please tell us a little about that?

You see I never joined the industry thinking I’m here to make money. All I ever wanted to do was to represent my community, whether through ‘Rani’ or through Change the Clap campaign. My upcoming film is again about the transgender community. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m also in the process of writing my own film. I want to show the world that even transgender persons fall in love. I think this film will have the power to bring about more change.

What are some of the biggest hurdles in the way of a Pakistani transgender person when they decide to head out and make a name for themselves?

It’s very hard. In Pakistan, nobody wants transgender persons to come forward and progress. All they do is look at us scornfully, point fingers at us, spread terrible rumours about us and even go to the extent of saying that we’re fake transgender persons. I just want to say that if a person gathers the courage to come out, then their feelings should be respected. I’ve also noticed that in Pakistan, whenever there’s an awareness regarding something spreading, people want to suppress it. People can’t digest the fact that a transgender is gaining popularity and tasting success. They’ve tried putting so many obstacles in my way.

What, according to you, has been your biggest achievement so far?

My biggest achievement so far has been working for my community. God gave me a chance to raise voice for those who can’t speak for themselves or don’t even know their own rights. I’m able to sit with such people, hear their problems and issues and try helping them.

What motivates you to excel no matter what?

I think whenever my family used to misunderstand my ways and hit me, that motivated me to break out. My neighbours used to call me names. Even then I embraced my identity and moved out, in a bid to raise voice for many more like me who didn’t have the confidence and the guts to do so.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on advocacy, awareness and empowerment for the transgender community. I had always dreamt of opening a salon for transgender people which I recently did in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi. We conduct these awareness seminars in various institutions.

What is your vision for Pakistan and what does it mean to be Pakistani for you?

My vision is the same that Muhammad Ali Jinnah had. However I feel that in order to see our country change for the good, we need to bring about that change in ourselves first. It’s easy to pinpoint the flaws of others and mock them or laugh at them but we first need to introspect. We need to unite on this front and broaden our mindsets a little. Whenever I go abroad, I try to represent my country in the best light.

We, at Daily Times, consider you one of our national heroes. Who are some of yours?

Thank you for considering me as one. My mother, mentors and friends who have supported me and believed in me are my heroes. My mother inspires me so much. Sometimes I feel if I had suffered as much challenges as my mother did in her life, I would never have been able to do anything. Please look around yourselves and appreciate the goodness in people. Tell them that they’re doing a great job with their lives and how capable they are of doing so much more.

DEFYING THE ODDS

Kami Sid, despite being a transgender person, has defied all odds that worked against her. She is not just a prominent activist but is also a fashion model and now an actress. She recently turned entrepreneur by opening up Pakistan’s first salon for transgender persons in Karachi.

INTERNATIONAL STAR

Kami Sid is not only lauded for her confidence, talents and strong voice for her community in Pakistan but has also been recognised abroad for her skills. Recently, her film ‘Rani’ in which she played the lead role, was screened at the highly prestigious and coveted Festival De Cannes.

A STRONG VOICE FOR HER COMMUNITY

Despite being in minority and without any support, Sid has held her own and with confidence, faith and belief, raised voice for the people of her community by running awareness and protection campaigns as well as being their mentor and guardian.