Controversial Pakistani designer Maria Belal, known as Maria B, has once again sparked controversy with her transphobic views, which have angered the internet. This time, she shared a post commenting on a particular scene in the ARY drama Sar-e-Rah. The scene depicts a father supporting his intersex child, which is not a common occurrence in Pakistan’s conservative society. While many praised the show for its unique and sensitive portrayal of the LGBT community, Maria B and others took offence.
Sar-e-Rah is an Example of How to Treat Non-Binary Individuals
Sar-e-Rah is a limited drama series aimed at changing viewers’ perceptions about marginalized communities by portraying their day-to-day lives as they navigate societal expectations. Most viewers found it to be a breath of fresh air from the typical Pakistani genre that primarily focuses on family drama. However, some viewers condemned the show and accused it of promoting Western agendas. Maria B also expressed her displeasure with the scene that promoted the acceptance of transgender individuals.
In the scene, the father tells his child that it is acceptable to wear clothing associated with either gender, and he assures his child that he will always support their choices. This triggered Maria B to the point where she accused the show’s creators of selling their souls by promoting gender fluidity. She cited religious reasons for not endorsing transgenderism, which was not well-received by Pakistani viewers. Many called her out for hypocrisy and asked what happened to her religion when her COVID-infected cook was sent to his village on public transport.
Here is a post by Maria B and a harsh comment urging others to stop purchasing products from such irresponsible elite citizens.
Maria B Doesn’t like the Show’s Message
Directed by Adeel Bhatti, Sar-e-Rah has won the hearts of many for breaking stereotypes and showing empathy towards various social issues. It highlights the dark realities of Pakistani society, where women, intersex individuals, and other marginalized groups are often looked down upon. Their struggles and hardships are in stark contrast to the lives of privilege that most elite Pakistanis enjoy.
The show sets a remarkable precedent for how non-binary individuals should be treated, and the fact that some people find such content offensive is a bigger concern than the one raised by Maria B.
These Outbursts are Getting Entertaining
Maria B’s statement against Sar-e-Rah was not much surprise to the viewers. In recent years, the fashion designer has been vocal against transgenderism on social media. Her remarks against trans activist Mehrub Moiz Awan attracted a lot of backlash in 2022. Awan, a victim of recent anti-Trans violence, was scheduled to deliver a TED talk at an elite school. However, parents like Maria B pulled some strings to get her removed from the panel because they did not want their kids to listen to her. Maria B also spoke against Awan’s identity and called her a “man transitioning into a woman”.
Most recently, she has been engaging in public spats over the film Joyland, which tells the story of a love affair between a man and a transgender individual. Just like Sar-e-Rah, the film is helping reshape public perception. However, critics like Maria B have accused it of being against Islamic values and more aligned with western ideals. They are unhappy with her views, as religion always instructs its followers to use kindness with all creatures. It is common sense that transgenders are also human beings and do not deserve to be relegated to the bottom of the societal hierarchy.
