"Let us live our lives in peace": LGBT communities in Bangladesh

Photographer Ghazi Nafiz Ahmed was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is sure that the world consists of many social confrontations. Nafiz uses photography not only to reflect his views through the pictures, but also to somehow change the collective consciousness. In most cases, Nafiz Ahmed works on his projects alone, choosing socially unprotected groups of society as heroes.

To create a project about the LGBT communities of Bangladesh, The Social Network, the photographer spent a year with his heroes. And only then did I start filming these people.

(10 photos in total)

Shalok No. 2 (2016)

"My body and mind are different. Physically, I'm a girl, but... what's the "but"? My mind? Yes. My mind is absolutely masculine."

Ratul (2009)

"I've always felt a craving for men. After the 10th grade, I could not afford to continue my studies. I became a prostitute. I negotiate with clients by phone, sometimes I pick them up in the park. I've slept with different people. Married, doctors, schoolteachers, students, drivers, lawyers. I help my family and support myself. Life goes on."

House (2009)

Mitu: "I live in one of the city boarding schools. My colleagues respect me. I moved to Dhaka hoping to find a job and get more freedom. I had to support my wife and family, and I also wanted to be myself. I have never brought my wife to Dhaka. What would it look like? If I had been aware of myself then as I am now, no one would have forced me to get married. There are a lot of people like me — those who got married and who are having a hard time now."

Lover No. 99 (2014)

Billal and Aman: "We have been together in this city since our first meeting. Our families think we're just friends, but we're head over heels in love with each other. Nothing will separate us."

Imam (2009)

"I want to talk about my thoughts, about my inclinations, but my profession obliges me to bury them deep inside. It makes me live a double life. But I don't want to leave my job, because I also sincerely believe in this. I believe that my condition is a gift from God. I am happy to be the way I am, to live in peace with my hopes and dreams."

Shahinur and Nipa No. 10 (2013)

"I am a woman who loves another woman. I want to live with my beloved. I don't want anyone to get in our way. We don't want any of us to commit suicide, we don't want to hurt anyone, force them to use drugs or cut their veins. Just let us live our lives in peace. It's time to open up and talk about it."

Amit and Rana (2009)

"We have different religious views, but it is absolutely not important. Our love is above public condemnation, so we continue to love each other. We have a wonderful life, beautiful, it's like it's wrapped in colored paper."

All photos: Gazi Nafiz Ahmed