Having observed in Pakistani society, a disturbing tendency towards fear and shame around issues of sex and sexuality - that is to say, around a normal human interaction - the founders of Chay Magazine feel that sex and sexuality should enter the public discourse. The taboo and silence around sex and sexuality are oppressive on all of us, irrespective of gender, and lead, at the very least, to unhappiness in our daily lives and, more often, to violence, shame, depression, ill health and general social malaise. We at Chay Magazine endeavor to bring to the Pakistani reading public a place to converse about those things we are most shy of. Our hope is that, through this, we can become braver and stronger, more powerful, self-assured, and just and fair members of society.
this is just a surprised response to Ali amad's comment. why sex and sexuality is a privileged every day discourse of only randis? ur choice of language just reinforces the 'shame and disturbing tendency' present in our society.
face it man ! (well thats up to u to decide. no?)
Best of luck with this endeavor. We need more liberal thinking in this country, but more importantly let's have a bit of real freedom of expression not just platitudes.
Congratulations to the team at Chay - this can be a wonderfully positive initiative encouraging dialogue, respect, safety, health and well-being.
It is about time that we as South Asians, Muslims, Pakistanis or however we self-identify set up a public forum in which matters of concern to us ALL were debated and shared.
Peace.
Really happy to see this initiative.
Good idea to reclaim terms that signify gender and sexuality in South Asia but you should put up a better explanation. This is a bit flimsy and humourous but the idea may be lost on some people.
Dear Editors,
Congratulations and Best wishes for this wonderful initiative !!! Keep it up.
you all should follow teachings of Islam and not the path of Shaitan, he will take you to Jahanum where you will live until the decision of your Creator comes in your favour.
I know I'm a little late in saying this, considering that I have been reading Chay for a while, but it's about time I did. Thank you for doing this. An initiative like this cannot do harm with the intentions that you have in mind, and it's a brave thing to do.
well i was operated but good luck to all the CHAYs out there for this initiative.
Hello I read some articles here and I think it's wonderful that the people here at Chay are creating dialog about sex and sexuality. Keep up the good work. If people don't like it, then they don't have to read it
excellent
we need to do this. if our society has no qualms whatsoever about child abuse and burning women to death, then sex shouldnt be a taboo too. i want to contribute my srticles to this cause as im a volunteer worker on teenage reproductive health awareness too.
Good way to earn money this way...This nation is already frustrated and you people intend to cash that frustration, Why dont you people open a bothel and make things better for this nation. :-) Jerks!! Read Quran..Than you will know what wrong thing you are doing!.. Jerks!
My comment is in response to Hawk:
Mr or Miss Hawk, it seems that Chay magazine has upset your personal opinions and if that is the case, instead of spitting on the platform like a 10-year old, why don't you quote the references from your Holy Quran and tell us what your problems with sex and sexuality are. I am very keen to know.
And Hawk, wipe your face please, it's very obvious that you are extremely frustrated yourself, so why don't you do us all a favour and screw your secret hijabi girlfriends or boyfriends, keeps or wives and leave us to our task, eh?
Thanks!
Chay Editors: Double thumbs up! Loved reading every article(not to mention, poems)! Looking forward to a fresh and more caustic issue next, though! This one's missing the punchy spicyness.
talk about awareness and the basic sex related education, not that these things dont get talked about in pakistan, or that they are not a point of interest among our youth or people in general, its just that media that talks about it focuses on a very small fraction of population. you can read about these issues in any pseudo-intellectual-fashion-based-high-priced magazine, and thats almost about it. main point being, make this "awareness" available to a common man, with not huge resources and average comprehension skills, and that should serve the purpose.
This is such a pleasant surprise! It's certainly about time this crucial (and traditionally uncomfortable) topic entered public discourse and attracted public attention.
God bless you for your initiative and efforts! Keep it up!
Do you openly discuss such matters with your mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters and sons?
Would you be happy if your sisters, mothers, daughters were to discuss these matters before marriage with random men?
Would you be willing to put your money where your mouth is?
If you answered yes to these questions, the last question in particluar, then pass on my details to your female relatives, and we'll get the ball rolling.
Beghairats.
I think that is an amazing magazine that has obviously created much debate.It made me think about what we can do as individuals to contribute to the goal of improving our lives in the communities we live in.Starting with ourselves self awareness is essential.Thank you,I will peep in from time to time
Im so glad people out here are trying to be more vocal about this issue... Its so sad how there's no room for discussion over it amongst the masses, and how its 'inappropriate conversation' on a public forum. Kudos, guys... Totally appreciate the idea. Really hope to see the day when things take a turn here...
P.S. I cursorily read the word "Holy Quran" in some comment. People, please understand that
A) Pakistan is home to more people than just muslims, so religeon is not the word in play. Let there be rights for gay people. If it offends you or isn't in keeping with your beliefs, then steer clear of it. Don't generalise your views over a country of many religeons. The word for that is 'bigotry'
B) The idea behind chay is to talk about it, and make it more common for the topic to be discussed. Even islam DISCUSSED the issue. So baby steps, lets start to atleast talk about it, then we'll see what can be done.
Keep up the good work, Chay!!!