Lava Khwahish Mohammadi, 26, was born and grew up in Pakistan, but she has been socialized in Germany. She comes from a political family – her father was a Deputy Minister in Afghanistan, and she has six siblings who are also politically active. Lava also spent some time in Afghanistan. She says: “I fondly remember relatives dropping by unannounced, the traditional family structure and multi-generational living in one household.” Lava has undergone a transition, and she is a FLINTA* activist who moved to Germany to pursue her studies.

She is working on her second Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Health at Kiel University of Applied Sciences. She previously earned a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. She became involved in projects supporting women and LGBTIQA* people with migrant backgrounds. “Along with the team, we supported refugees and migrants from these affected groups. We assisted them with settling in Germany, and with matters relating to their asylum status and their rights and protection based on their sexuality and gender identity.” Currently, Lava works as an educational support worker and is involved with the General Student Committee in Kiel University. “I am socially and politically engaged, actively advocating for human and LGBTIQA* rights, gender justice, integration, inclusion, and diversity.”

Lava is a member of the Forum for Migrants in the state capital in Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, and is also a co-founder of the Afghanischer Stammtisch Verein Schleswig-Holstein. She explains, “We provide support to Afghan and non-Afghan individuals with migrant backgrounds on a wide range of issues and questions related to their integration.” In addition to this, she occasionally leads workshops on discrimination and diversity and takes part in various political events.

She enjoys experiencing democracy in Germany, saying, “We can discuss and participate in many political issues without fear.” However, she stresses the importance of societal acceptance and understanding of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. “More education and awareness can help create a more inclusive environment.”

For Lava life is much more stable and fulfilling now, “while there are still challenges, I am satisfied with the progress I have made and the impact I have.” She built a network of people from diverse backgrounds through participation in local, social, and political events. In the future she sees herself continuing to advocate for human rights and social justice on a larger scale. “I hope to work with international organizations to support marginalized communities worldwide.”

Lava is concerned about the precarious situation of the Women and LGBTIQA* community in Afghanistan, which is in grave danger under the Taliban. “They are most affected by gender apartheid and have no basic or existential rights. They are systematically being persecuted, tortured, and murdered,” she says, and asks for everyone to stand up and protect the rights of these minorities. 

She asks her fellow Afghans to stay hopeful and proactive in their new home in Germany. “Resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming the challenges of resettlement.” In 2023, Lava won the Volunteer Award presented by Stadtwerke Schleswig-Holstein.

Lava is proud of her identity, intersectionality, diversity, and contributions to the community. “My role as a supporter for marginalized groups, particularly Afghans in Kiel and Schleswig-Holstein, and my academic and professional achievements are also sources of pride.”

She says to world leaders: “Embrace diversity and work towards a more inclusive and just society. Every person has the right to live with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or gender identity.”