Ali Sethi, the renowned Pakistani singer and son of a former Punjab Chief Minister, made headlines last year with news of his same-sex marriage to artist Salman Toor. However, the attention gradually waned in the following months.
Recently, Sethi sparked fresh controversy with a social media post. Sharing a childhood photo on ‘Pride Day’ on Instagram, the 39-year-old singer’s post drew widespread attention. In the caption, addressing his younger self, Ali wrote, “Hello little one! I know it can be tough when people tell you not to be yourself.” He continued, “But what sets you apart from others will become a source of great beauty and strength. Love is waiting for you.”
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Ending with the hashtag ‘Happy Pride’, the post ignited a heated debate online. Some praised Sethi for his courage in a conservative society, while others criticized him for challenging social norms. In Pakistan, homosexuality remains a taboo subject due to cultural, religious, and societal norms. Same-sex relationships are not only socially unacceptable but also legally prohibited, carrying potential legal consequences including imprisonment. Societal attitudes towards the transgender community are similarly hostile.
