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Change Makers › Mohammed Aatir Abbas Zaidi
Photography Russ Flatt.

Mohammed Aatir Abbas Zaidi

Bucklands Beach

Caring, passionate about social issues and loving. Really sensitive, straight up and very masculine, very feminine and very gender fluid.

What issues are most important to you?

For me, LGBTQI+ rights related to POC including Asians, Muslims and refugees are highly important. We have a growing number of immigrants with a culturally diverse population. It is fascinating to see how culture develops our sexual and personal identity. For me, it is important to cater to LGBTQI+ people belonging to collectivistic culture.

Are you associated with any change organisations?

I am associated with EquAsian, a social support group for Asian LGBTQI+. I have worked with Red Cross refugee support network and helped a family settle into New Zealand. My full-time work involves working with young adults with Autism.

In 2017, what change would you most like to see?

Acceptance! Whether it is related to the LGBTQI+ community or related to religion, race or colour.

Name your favourite queer anthem or protest song.

There is a great Sufi poem by Shaad Azeemabadi (1846-1927) that goes like this.

Even if you search from nation to nation,
You won’t find me, for I’m a rare jewel.
With a willingness to handle grief and sorrow,
O friends! I am an embodiment of that dream.

I, driven by wonder and desire
Stand quietly at the bank of a river.
The river of love beckons,
“Don’t be afraid, I am shallow and fordable”

Millions of travelers walk,
Only a handful reach their destinations,
O my contemporaries! Appreciate me for I am,
rare, if not elusive.



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