Pioneering gay Pakistani Muslim poet dies at 64
CHICAGO (AP) — A well-known openly gay Pakistani Muslim poet and Chicago radio show host has died.
Ifti Nasim was 64. His sister Ajaz Nasreen tells The Associated Press he died Friday following a heart attack.
Nasim was a fixture in Chicago's South Asian community, known for his activism, flamboyant fashion and touching poetry that dealt with themes including homosexuality, politics and his native Pakistan. He immigrated more than three decades ago.
Nasim was a founder of SANGAT/Chicago, a South Asian lesbian, gay and transgender organization. His book "Narman" which was believed to be the first book of gay themed poetry to be published in Urdu.
He was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1996.
A funeral was Saturday. Religious memorial services were planned Sunday.
