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Call for more government support for gay Asians

A practising Muslim who dresses in drag, has called for extra support for 'hidden' gay Asians living in Britain
A practising Muslim who dresses in drag, has called for extra support for 'hidden' gay Asians living in Britain A practising Muslim who dresses in drag, has called for extra support for 'hidden' gay Asians living in Britain

THE British government needs to do more to support the rights of gay Asians in Britain, a leading campaigner has said.

Asif Quaraishi, a practising Muslim who dresses in drag, called for extra support for “hidden” gay Asians living in Britain who are often ostracised by their communities.

“I would like to speak to David Cameron because there is a community living in Britain that needs a lot of help,” he said.

“The reality is that south Asian communities and African communities do have inherent homophobia. I want to see the certain charities that deal head on with supporting gay Muslims given more funding and support in terms of raising role models from within the community. And I would like the debate to be pushed forward in faith communities themselves, where there is round-table discussions and getting our voices into mosques.”

Mr Quaraishi, who is featured in a Channel 4 documentary airing next week titled Muslim Drag Queens, was speaking at the screening of the film, which is narrated by Sir Ian McKellen.