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Line 1: {{Short description\|British human rights campaigner}} '''Saima Razzaq''' is a British political activist and educator, co-chair of SEEDS (Supporting the Education of Equality in Schools) and Head of Diversity and Inclusion for [[Birmingham Pride]]. Razzaq actively campaigns for [[LGBT]] inclusive education in schools and was the first Muslim woman to lead a Pride parade in Britain.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=United we must stand\|url=http://midlandszone.co.uk/features/united-we-must-stand/109?page=11\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=midlandszone.co.uk\|language=en}}</ref>▼ {{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2022}} {{infobox person \| name = Saima Razzaq \| birth_name = Saima Razzaq \| birth_place = [[Birmingham]], England \| occupation = Political activist and educator}} ▲'''Saima Razzaq''' is a British political activist and educator, co-chair of SEEDS (Supporting the Education of Equality in Schools) and Head of Diversity and Inclusion for [[Birmingham Pride]]. Razzaq actively campaigns for [[LGBT]] inclusive education in schools and was the first Muslim woman to lead a Pride parade in Britain.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=United we must stand\|url=http://midlandszone.co.uk/features/united-we-must-stand/109?page=11\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=midlandszone.co.uk\|language=en\|archive-date=22 December 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222155748/https://www.midlandszone.co.uk/features/united-we-must-stand/109?page=11\|url-status=dead}}</ref> == Early life and education == Razzaq was born in Britain and raised in [[Small Heath]] in [[Birmingham]]. She is of [[Pakistanis\|Pakistani]] heritage.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-08-10\|title=South Asian Heritage Month: The history-maker who led Birmingham's Pride Parade\|url=https://www.itv.com/news/central/2021-08-10/south-asian-heritage-month-the-history-maker-who-led-birminghams-pride-parade\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=ITV News\|language=en}}</ref> Her family moved from [[India]] to [[Pakistan]] before [[Partition of India\|partition]], then migrated to the [[United Kingdom]] in the 1970s from [[Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2022-08-08 \|title='It's not all celebratory': five Birmingham residents on the Commonwealth \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/aug/08/birmingham-residents-commonwealth-games \|access-date=2022-10-21 \|website=The Guardian \|language=en}}</ref> == Career == Razzaq is a former [[BBC]] producer,<ref>{{Cite web\|last=EDITOR\|date=2021-08-25\|title=Meet the women transforming Birmingham Pride\|url=https://divamag.co.uk/2021/08/25/meet-the-womxn-transforming-birmingham-pride/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=DIVA\|language=en-GB}}</ref> music journalist<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2020-03-06\|title=Why Birmingham women are celebrating International Women's Day?\|url=https://www.iambirmingham.co.uk/2020/03/06/birmingham-women-celebrating-international-womens-day/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=I Am Birmingham\|language=en-US}}</ref> and former Head of Digital, Marketing and Communications at Robert Walters recruitment consultancy.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=What it's like to work for us\|url=https://www.robertwalters.co.uk/careers-at-fair-for-you/work-for-us.html\|access-date=2022-02-01\|website=www.robertwalters.co.uk\|language=en-GB\|archive-date=22 December 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222155237/https://www.robertwalters.co.uk/careers-at-fair-for-you/work-for-us.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> She also previously worked as Head of Content Marketing and Social Media at HomeServe.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=LinkedIn\|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/saima-razzaq-92731764/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=~~https://~~www.linkedin.com~~/in/saima-razzaq-92731764/~~ }}</ref>{{Self-published inline\|date=February 2022}} She runs a not-for-profit floating hotel, Boatel Birmingham, a social enterprise which aims to diversify the city's waterways by providing access for Black people and [[people of colour]].<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-04-25\|title=8 lesbians of colour you should know about\|url=https://www.stonewall.org.uk/about-us/news/8-lesbians-colour-you-should-know-about\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Stonewall\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|last=ABPL\|title=Institutional racism in Britain a direct result of ill-informed colonial mindsets\|url=https://www.asian-voice.com/Culture/Art/Institutional-racism-in-Britain-a-direct-result-of-ill-informed-colonial-mindsets\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=www.asian-voice.com\|language=en-GB}}</ref> == Political activism == Razzaq is well known for her activism on race, gender, racism and [[LGBT social movements\|LGBT+ rights]] in the United Kingdom. She is a founding member and co-chair of SEEDS (Supporting the Education of Equality in Schools), which was formed by teachers as a 1,000-member network in response to [[Education and the LGBT community\|protests against LGBT inclusive education]] outside schools in Birmingham, specifically the ''No Outsiders'' programme created by school teacher [[Andrew Moffat]].<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2019-09-21\|title=Birmingham school row: ~~‘This~~'This is made out to be just Muslims v gays. ~~It’s~~It's ~~not’~~not'\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/sep/21/birmingham-anderton-park-primary-school-row-parents-teachers-demonstrators\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=~~the~~The Guardian\|language=en}}</ref> The group is dedicated to promoting the education of equality and diversity in schools, including LGBT+ inclusive education throughout primary and secondary school.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Faith In Our Community with Panel Discussion with SEEDS\|url=https://shoutfestival.co.uk/events/faith-in-our-community-with-panel-discussion-with-seeds/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Shout Festival\|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=2019-03-22\|title=LGBT+ group reach out to protesting parents who shut down same-sex relationships classes\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/lgbt-seeds-parkfield-community-school-birmingham-protest-no-outsiders-a8835761.html\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=The Independent\|language=en}}</ref> During the [[Anderton Park Primary School]] protests in 2019, Razzaq was a mediator between teachers, parent groups and the city's LGBT community, working to challenge both [[homophobia]] and [[Islamophobia]].<ref>{{Cite news\|date=2019-03-29\|title=LGBT people 'never felt more vulnerable' in Birmingham\|language=en-GB\|work=BBC News\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-47742085\|access-date=2021-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=2019-04-01\|title=White middle-class people should not ~~‘point~~'point ~~fingers’~~fingers' at parents protesting against equality lessons, diversity campaigner says\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/lgbt-lesson-birmingham-parents-protest-muslims-trojan-horse-a8846616.html\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=The Independent\|language=en}}</ref> She said that “as a Pakistani Muslim I do often feel caught in the middle of two conflicting communities. As much as inherent homophobia and transphobia exists within my community we must also recognise the inherent racism within LGBTQI community."<ref>{{Cite web\|last=ABPL\|title='No Outsiders': The fight between education, religion and mis-information...\|url=https://www.asian-voice.com/Community/%27No-Outsiders%27-The-fight-between-education,-religion-and-mis-information\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=www.asian-voice.com\|language=en-GB}}</ref> She also said she felt uncomfortable with the media creating a “them and us” narrative which demonised her community for holding prejudicial views that existed in wider British society.<ref>{{Cite news\|last1=Lathigra\|first1=Kalpesh\|last2=Khan\|first2=Aina J.\|date=2022-02-03\|title=Why Claiming British Identity Is Complicated\|language=en-US\|work=The New York Times\|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/03/podcasts/trojan-horse-affair-british-identity.html\|access-date=2022-02-08\|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> She also claimed the voices of Muslim women were "being lost", saying "women need to and should be at the forefront of the conversation on gender and sexuality in an Islamic context. Our bodies and our sexuality need to be defined by our voices."<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Besanvalle\|first=James\|date=2019-07-15\|title=Birmingham school protests: Muslim women's voices are lost in the debate\|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/birmingham-school-protests-muslim-women-debate/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Gay Star News\|language=en-GB}}</ref> In April 2019, Razzaq called out and met with Labour MP [[John Spellar]] after he was one of only 21 Members of Parliament to vote against the government's new LGBT-inclusive guidance for compulsory relationships and sex education.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2019-03-28\|title=These 21 MPs voted against LGBT-inclusive relationship education\|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/03/28/21-mps-voted-against-lgbt-inclusive-relationship-education/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=PinkNews ~~{{!}} Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news {{!}} LGBT+ news\|language=en-GB~~}}</ref> The intervention led to Spellar reversing his opposition to the measures.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Storer\|first=Rhi\|date=2019-04-08\|title=MP John Spellar backs LGBT inclusive education following equality vote gaffe\|url=https://www.iambirmingham.co.uk/2019/04/08/mp-john-spellar-backs-lgbt-inclusive-education-following-equality-vote-gaffe/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=I Am Birmingham\|language=en-US}}</ref> In June 2019, she challenged Labour MP [[Roger Godsiff]]'s support of anti-LGBT school protests.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Haynes\|first=Jane\|date=2019-06-07\|title=Councillor urges school protesters – 'call off the demo'\|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/majid-mahmood-urges-anderton-park-16391831\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=BirminghamLive\|language=en}}</ref> Godsiff was subsequently reported to the party whip, deselected and lost his [[Birmingham Hall Green (UK Parliament constituency)\|Birmingham Hall Green]] parliamentary seat during the [[2019 United Kingdom general election\|2019 United Kingdom General Election]].<ref>{{Cite news\|date=2019-11-07\|title=General Election 2019: MP deselected over LGBT row stands as independent\|language=en-GB\|work=BBC News\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election-2019-50338098\|access-date=2021-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Birmingham Labour MP boosts attack on LGBT+ education\|url=https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/48462/Birmingham+Labour+MP+boosts+attack+on+LGBT%2B+education\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Socialist Worker (Britain)\|date=9 June 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=2019-06-08\|title=Labour colleagues outraged after MP Roger Godsiff backs anti-LGBT protest\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/jun/08/roger-godsiff-sickens-fellow-labour-mp-over-support-for-anti-lgbt-protesters\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=~~the~~The Guardian\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|last=Media\|first=P. A.\|date=2019-11-08\|title=Ex-Labour MP to run as independent after being dropped over LGBT row\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/nov/08/ex-labour-mp-to-run-as-independent-after-being-dropped-over-lgbt-row\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=~~the~~The Guardian\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=2019-12-13\|title=Former Labour MP, who backed anti-LGBTQ protesters in Birmingham, fails to win seat\|url=http://attitude.co.uk/article/former-labour-mp-who-backed-anti-lgbtq-protesters-in-birmingham-fails-to-win-seat/22459/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Attitude.co.uk\|language=en}}</ref> In May 2019, Razzaq jointly led [[Birmingham Pride]] alongside Moffat and several LGBT Muslims, making her the first Muslim woman to lead a Pride parade in the UK. The event was also the first time Muslims had led a Pride parade in Britain.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Preece\|first=Ashley\|date=2019-05-25\|title=No Outsiders teacher leads Pride parade after school LGBT protests\|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/birmingham-pride-no-outsiders-teacher-16331373\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=BirminghamLive\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|last=Mahmood\|first=Basit\|date=2019-05-25\|title=Crowds of LGBT Muslims lead their first ever pride march in Birmingham\|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/25/crowds-lgbt-muslims-lead-first-ever-pride-march-history-9690031/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Metro\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Teacher in LGBT classes row leads Birmingham Pride\|url=https://news.sky.com/story/teacher-in-lgbt-classes-row-leads-birmingham-pride-11728545\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Sky News\|language=en}}</ref> In June 2019, she spoke at a 'Defending Equality' event organised by [[Southall Black Sisters]] and Feminist Dissent, alongside [[Jess Phillips]] MP, Khakan Qureshi, Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson and Stephen Cowden to show solidarity with schools affected by anti-LGBT protests.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Admin\|first=S. B. S.\|date=2019-06-12\|title=In Defence of Equality in Birmingham Schools\|url=https://southallblacksisters.org.uk/news/defence-of-equality-in-birmingham-schools/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Southall Black Sisters\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Equality lessons row: MP Jess Phillips to speak in solidarity with Birmingham schools tonight\|url=http://www.midlandszone.co.uk/news/mp-to-speak-in-solidarity-with-birmingham-schools/18949?page=21\|access-date=2021-12-22\|website=www.midlandszone.co.uk\|language=en}}</ref> In July 2020, Razzaq criticised the [[~~Birmingham~~ 2022 Commonwealth Games]] describing the event as a "PR stunt" which is "steeped in colonialism" and a "waste of money".<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Cardwell\|first=Mark\|date=2020-07-07\|title=Brum's 2022 Commonwealth Games is a reminder of the 'bloody past'\|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birminghams-problematic-2022-commonwealth-games-18554009\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=BirminghamLive\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|last=Haynes\|first=Jane\|date=2020-07-26\|title=Birmingham 2022 Board member quits to make way for black colleague\|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-2022-board-member-quits-18664676\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=BirminghamLive\|language=en}}</ref> However, in August 2022, she told ''[[The Guardian]]'' she had a "complicated relationship" with the Commonwealth but acknowledged the Games were "exciting".<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2022-08-08 \|title='It's not all celebratory': five Birmingham residents on the Commonwealth \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/aug/08/birmingham-residents-commonwealth-games \|access-date=2022-10-21 \|website=The Guardian \|language=en}}</ref> Razzaq has voiced her support for [[Decolonizing\|decolonising]] the national curriculum<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Curriculum Liberation Calendar\|url=https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/academic-development/coursedirectory/curlibcal/?start=29112019&tag=People+of+Colour&view=daily\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=warwick.ac.uk}}</ref> and LGBT spaces to make them more inclusive.<ref>{{Cite tweet \|user=pridehousebham \|number=1424792889054437380 \|url=https://twitter.com/pridehousebham/status/1424792889054437380 \|access-date=2023-06-06 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223230433/https://twitter.com/pridehousebham/status/1424792889054437380 \|archive-date=Dec 23, 2021 \|title=Congratulations \|language=en}}</ref> She has praised [[UK Black Pride]] as a model for LGBT events.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Mahmood\|first=Basit\|date=2019-07-07\|title='Racism is rife in LGBT spaces, that's why we needed Black Pride'\|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/07/racism-rife-lgbt-spaces-needed-black-pride-10129241/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Metro\|language=en}}</ref> In August 2021, she was appointed Head of Diversity and Inclusion for Birmingham Pride. ~~Razzaq~~In ~~has~~August ~~voiced~~2021, ~~her~~she ~~support~~chaired ~~for~~the ''Soap Box'' event as part of [[~~Decolonizing\|decolonising~~Ikon Gallery]]'s ~~the~~annual ~~national~~Migrant ~~curriculum~~Festival<ref>{{Cite ~~web~~tweet \|~~title~~user=~~Curriculum~~mcsaima ~~Liberation~~\|number=1425751683263602696 ~~Calendar~~\|url=https://~~warwick~~twitter.~~ac.uk~~com/~~fac~~mcsaima/~~cross_fac~~status/~~academic-development/coursedirectory/curlibcal/?start=29112019&tag=People+of+Colour&view=daily~~1425751683263602696 \|access-date=~~2021~~2023-1206-2106 \|~~website~~url-status=~~warwick.ac.uk}}</ref>~~live ~~and LGBT spaces to make them more inclusive.<ref>{{Cite web~~\|~~title~~archive-url=https://~~twitter~~web.archive.~~com~~org/~~pridehousebham~~web/~~status~~20210812093115/~~1424792889054437380\|url=~~https://twitter.com/~~pridehousebham~~McSaima/status/~~1424792889054437380~~1425751683263602696 \|~~access~~archive-date=Aug 12, 2021~~-12-21~~ \|~~website~~title=~~Twitter~~I’m really looking forward… \|language=en}}</ref> ~~She has praised [[UK Black Pride]] as a model for LGBT events.~~<ref>{{Cite web~~\|last=Mahmood\|first=Basit~~\|date=~~2019~~2020-0706-0710\|title=~~'Racism~~Soapbox is– ~~rife~~To inimagine ~~LGBT~~{{!}} ~~spaces, that’s why we needed Black Pride'~~Ikon\|url=https://~~metro~~www.coikon-gallery.ukorg/~~2019~~event/~~07/07/racism~~soapboxes-~~rife~~to-~~lgbt-spaces-needed-black-pride-10129241~~imagine/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=~~Metro~~www.ikon-gallery.org\|language=en-GB}}</ref> Into ~~August~~mark ~~2021,~~[[Refugee ~~she was appointed Head of Diversity~~Week]] and ~~Inclusion for~~ [[~~Birmingham~~World Refugee ~~Pride~~Day]]. In October 2021, Razzaq spoke out against an increased number of homophobic attacks in Birmingham,<ref>{{Cite news\|date=2021-10-14\|title=Hundreds gather in Birmingham to protest over homophobic attacks\|language=en-GB\|work=BBC News\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-58919862\|access-date=2021-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|date=2021-10-24\|title=Second protest held in Birmingham after homophobic attacks\|language=en-GB\|work=BBC News\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-59029074\|access-date=2021-12-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-10-25\|title=Protests held in Birmingham over recent wave of LGBTQ+ hate crimes\|url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/protests-held-in-birmingham-over-recent-wave-of-lgbtq-hate-crimes/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=GAY TIMES\|language=en-GB}}</ref> and continues to campaign against hate crime.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2022-10-07 \|title=Rise in hate crime reporting: 'Verbal and physical abuse happens daily' \|language=en-GB \|work=BBC News \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-63170188 \|access-date=2022-10-21}}</ref> In response to hate crime incidents, Razzaq co-founded Brum Against Hate with activists [[Adam Yosef]] and Salman Mirza, organising protests demanding safer spaces for the LGBT community.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Clarke \|first=Nathan \|date=2022-11-21 \|title=Faith leaders 'have to stand' with gay community to face off hate \|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/faith-leaders-dont-coming-out-25543544 \|access-date=2022-11-24 \|website=BirminghamLive \|language=en}}</ref> In August 2021, she chaired the ''Soap Box'' event as part of [[Ikon Gallery]]'s annual Migrant Festival<ref>{{Cite web\|title=https://mobile.twitter.com/mcsaima/status/1425751683263602696\|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/mcsaima/status/1425751683263602696\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Twitter\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=2020-06-10\|title=Soapbox – To imagine {{!}} Ikon\|url=https://www.ikon-gallery.org/event/soapboxes-to-imagine/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=www.ikon-gallery.org\|language=en-GB}}</ref> to mark [[Refugee Week]] and [[World Refugee Day]]. In ~~October~~February ~~2021~~2022, a guest speaker lecture by Razzaq ~~spoke~~at ~~out~~the ~~against~~[[University anof ~~increased~~Birmingham]] was reportedly cancelled by senior ~~number~~members of ~~homophobic~~the ~~attacks~~university after she asked for a change of venue, so as not to cross the picket line in solidarity with striking academic staff. She was due to give a lecture on intersectionality, inclusivity and diversity as an official representative of Birmingham Pride during [[LGBT History Month]] but was unable to do so. It was later rescheduled by the university.<ref>{{Cite ~~news~~web \|last=Vasta \|first=Anisah \|date=~~2021~~2022-1002-1417 \|title=~~Hundreds~~Guest ~~gather~~lecturer inclaims ~~Birmingham~~talk 'axed' over refusal to ~~protest~~cross ~~over~~picket ~~homophobic~~line ~~attacks\|language=en-GB\|work=BBC News~~\|url=https://www.~~bbc~~birminghammail.~~com~~co.uk/news/ukmidlands-~~england~~news/university-birmingham-~~58919862~~guest-lecturer-axed-23126123 \|access-date=~~2021~~2022-1203-2105 \|website=BirminghamLive \|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite ~~news~~web \|date=~~2021~~2022-1002-2423 \|title=~~Second~~Everything ~~protest~~that ~~held~~has happened in ~~Birmingham~~the ~~after~~first ~~homophobic~~two ~~attacks\|language=en-GB\|work=BBC~~weeks of strikes in Birmingham ~~News~~\|url=https://~~www.bbc~~thetab.com~~/news~~/uk/birmingham/2022/02/23/everything-~~england~~that-has-happened-in-the-first-two-weeks-of-strikes-at-birmingham-~~59029074~~51273 \|access-date=~~2021~~2022-1203-2105 \|website=University of Birmingham \|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=~~2021~~2022-1003-2505 \|title=~~Protests~~Lecture ~~held~~'Cancelled' inAfter ~~Birmingham~~Guest ~~over~~Speaker ~~recent~~Refused ~~wave~~to ofCross ~~LGBTQ+~~Picket ~~hate~~Line {{!}} Redbrick News ~~crimes~~\|url=https://www.~~gaytimes~~redbrick.~~co.uk/life~~me/~~protests~~lecture-~~held~~cancelled-inafter-~~birmingham~~guest-~~over~~speaker-~~recent~~refused-~~wave~~to-ofcross-~~lgbtq~~picket-~~hate-crimes~~line/ \|access-date=~~2021~~2022-1203-2105 \|website=~~GAY TIMES\|language=en-GB~~Redbrick}}</ref> == Personal life == Razzaq is openly lesbian and is critical of parents who do not support their child's sexuality.<ref>{{Cite news\|title=School LGBT protests 'really upsetting'\|language=en-GB\|work=BBC News\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-47745911\|access-date=2021-12-21}}</ref> She did not come out to her family until she was 29.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-08-10\|title=South Asian Heritage Month: The history-maker who led Birmingham's Pride Parade\|url=https://www.itv.com/news/central/2021-08-10/south-asian-heritage-month-the-history-maker-who-led-birminghams-pride-parade\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=ITV News\|language=en}}</ref> She is a Muslim.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=BBC Radio 4 – The Exchange, Faith and Sexuality\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000ydmc\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=BBC\|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|title=~~What’s~~What's on TV and radio tonight: Wednesday, August 4\|newspaper=[[The Times]] \|language=en\|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/whats-on-tv-and-radio-tonight-wednesday-august-4-kh8bmn2ts\|access-date=2021-12-21\|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> == Recognition == * In June 2020, Razzaq was featured on billboards across the UK as part of a 'Pride Inside' campaign to mark Pride Month.<ref>{{Cite web\|author=Staff Reporter\|date=2020-06-10\|title=1,000 billboards donated across UK to showcase LGBTQ+ people for Pride month\|url=https://www.iambirmingham.co.uk/2020/06/10/1000-billboards-donated-across-uk-showcase-lgbtq-people-pride-month/\|access-date=2021-12-22\|website=I Am Birmingham\|language=en-US}}</ref> * In September 2020, Razzaq was awarded an 'LGBTQ+ Community Outstanding Achievement' honorary award by Midlands Zone magazine for her work advocating equality.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Zone\|first=Midlands\|date=September 2020\|title=Midlands Zone Honorary Awards\|url=https://www.facebook.com/midlandszone/photos/a.10150202163001776/10157317586016776/~~\|url-status=live~~\|website=Midlands Zone}}</ref> == Filmography == * ''My God, I'm Queer!'' (2020) – Directed by Matt Mahmood-Ogston<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2020-09-27\|title=My God, ~~I’m~~I'm Queer\|url=https://www.nazandmattfoundation.org/my-god-im-queer/\|access-date=2021-12-21\|website=Naz and Matt Foundation\|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Iris Prize Best British Short films head to All 4 {{!}} Channel 4\|url=https://www.channel4.com/press/news/iris-prize-best-british-short-films-head-all-4\|access-date=2021-12-22\|website=www.channel4.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Stars get glammed up for Asian Media Awards in glittering ceremony in Trafford\|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/golf/stars-get-glammed-up-for-asian-media-awards-in-glittering-ceremony-in-trafford/ss-AAQbPH8?parent-title=vote-for-womens-sports-team-of-the-year&parent-ns=ar&parent-content-id=AAQgJPn&fullscreen=true\|access-date=2021-12-22\|website=www.msn.com}}</ref> * ''Lesbian'' (2021) – Directed by Rosemary Baker<ref>{{Cite web\|title=ShortFilmFestival\|url=https://filmcarnage.com/tag/shortfilmfestival/\|access-date=2021-12-22\|website=Film Carnage\|language=en}}</ref> Line 46 ⟶ 56: {{reflist}} {{DEFAULTSORT:razzaq, saima}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from the West Midlands (region)]] [[Category:People from Small Heath, Birmingham]] [[Category:People from Birmingham, West Midlands]] [[Category:British LGBT rights activists ~~from the United Kingdom~~]] [[Category:~~LGBT~~English ~~rights~~people ~~activists~~of Pakistani descent]] [[Category:~~English~~British ~~people~~LGBT ~~of Asian descent~~journalists]] [[Category:~~LGBT~~Lesbian ~~journalists from the United Kingdom~~Muslims]] ~~[[Category:British people of South Asian descent]]~~ ~~[[Category:British people of Pakistani descent]]~~ [[Category:LGBT Muslims]]▼ [[Category:British activists]] [[Category:English activists]] [[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]] ▲[[Category:~~LGBT~~Lesbian ~~Muslims~~journalists]]