Bakhtawar (BK) Ali (they/them) is a graduate student in the Ecological-Community Psychology program at MSU. They completed their undergraduate studies in Biotechnology and Psychology at Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) in Lahore, Pakistan. They later earned a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston as a Fulbright Scholar.

 

BK's research interests center around decolonial, anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist and community-driven approaches to mental health and well-being, especially for queer and trans communities of South Asia, particularly Pakistan. They are interested in exploring how cultural, religious (especially Islamic), and familial norms shape mental health experiences, and are committed to uplifting indigenous and collective practices of healing outside of Western clinical frameworks.

 

Outside of research, BK enjoys traveling, exploring museums and galleries, hosting queer community gatherings and spending time with their cat.