Ifti Nasim, who died in 2011, was a Pakistani-American poet, cultural activist, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He immigrated to the United States in 1970, fleeing persecution for his homosexuality in Pakistan. Nasim became a prominent figure in the Chicago literary scene, best known for his groundbreaking collection, “Narangi Vannil” (Orange Orchard), which was the first book of gay poetry published in Urdu.
His work bravely explored themes of identity, displacement, and queer love, often blending traditional Ghazal forms with contemporary sensibilities. Nasim was also a co-founder of Sangat, an organization supporting South Asian LGBTQ+ individuals. His courage in openly discussing his sexuality and his poetic contributions paved the way for greater acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ voices within South Asian communities and beyond. He remained a powerful voice for human rights until his passing.
