Story of Kazi Bushra

Kazi Bushra stood as a quiet beacon of resilience—a young woman from a small town in Bangladesh, her demeanor calm yet resolute. From an early age, she carried a profound self-awareness, a whisper of truth that distinguished her from those around her: she was asexual. In a society where such identities were rarely spoken of, this realization was both a guiding light and a solitary weight.

Determined to expand her horizons beyond the confines of her hometown, Bushra moved to the bustling heart of Dhaka. There, amidst the city’s unrelenting pace, she nurtured her passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Psychology. It was in this vibrant yet chaotic backdrop that she met Istiaq Sifat.

Sifat, a kind-hearted man with an open perspective shaped by his allosexual identity, saw something rare and authentic in Bushra. He was drawn to her unwavering sense of self and her quiet strength. Rather than trying to change her or impose societal expectations, Sifat embraced Bushra for who she was, guided by empathy and understanding.

Their relationship was not without its struggles. The world around them often failed to comprehend a love that flourished without physical desire, and even those closest to them stumbled in their efforts to understand. Yet, Bushra and Sifat faced these challenges together, fortifying their bond through mutual respect and unwavering support.

In their partnership, they forged a new understanding of intimacy—one built on trust, communication, and care that transcended traditional definitions of love. Together, they crafted a narrative of quiet defiance, proving that love, in its purest form, is boundless and unrestrained by societal norms.

While pursuing her studies, Bushra realized her true calling – to provide mental health support to her community. She witnessed firsthand the suffocation caused by social bullying, especially for those who identified as queer. This fueled her passion even more, as she knew that the future generation of asexual individuals should not bear the burden she had experienced.

With Sifat by her side and driven by her passion for mental health advocacy, Bushra worked tirelessly to raise awareness about asexuality and the unique challenges faced by asexual individuals. She became a source of inspiration for others, especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community, proving that one’s sexual orientation should never be a barrier to pursuing dreams and happiness.

As she completed her Master’s Degree, Bushra started volunteering at local asexual & aromentic organization called BDAA, conducting workshops, and offering counseling sessions to spread knowledge about mental health and asexuality. Her commitment and dedication began to make a significant impact, slowly breaking down the walls of stigma and prejudice surrounding asexuality.

Through her dedication and perseverance, Bushra ensured that the ‘A’ Spec of the future would not have to suffer the way she did. She had a powerful vision of a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, would be treated with respect and empathy. With time, her efforts bore fruit, and the community started to embrace diversity more openly. Bushra’s vision of a more accepting and inclusive future for asexuals was gradually becoming a reality.

“An ‘Allo Ace Relationship’ refers to a romantic partnership between someone who identifies as allosexual (allo), meaning they experience sexual attraction, and someone who identifies as asexual (ace), meaning they do not experience sexual attraction; essentially, a couple where one partner is sexually attracted to others while the other is not.”

Asian Network of A-Spec Queer Activists

With her dreams realized, Bushra found solace in knowing that her struggles had paved the way for a more compassionate world. She and Sifat continued to stand side by side, empowering each other and making a positive difference in the lives of many. Bushra and Sifat’s legacy remained imprinted on the hearts of those they touched, leaving a lasting impact on the world for asexuals of the future to find solace, acceptance, and understanding in their own identities.  Their love story was an exceptional tale of platonic affection, resilience, and empathy.  

Till today, Busra’s journey was not without challenges, but her unwavering determination and the support of her partner helped her navigate through them. That’s why, Bushra found strength in her vulnerability and became a beacon of hope for the future asexual community of Bangladesh, ensuring they would not have to endure the same struggles she once faced.