Azeem - "We Are All Perfect Just as We Are"

We are continuing to share a few words from our colleagues at HCA UK. Today we hear from Azeem, Head of Pharmacy.

“We are all perfect just as we are.” - Azeem

“I’ve lived in London for 25 years now. I’m originally from Glasgow although my parents migrated back in the 60s from Pakistan. I’ve been qualified as a Pharmacist for almost 30 years now and have worked in Glasgow, London, Southampton and Sydney as a Pharmacist, as well as spending a year in Berlin teaching English.

“I love playing badminton as well as running, I managed to run a marathon before my big five oh! I’m also passionate about my faith and have been on a journey since the age of 15 when I did the Haj pilgrimage to Makkah. I’ve helped set up a queer Muslim group in London back in 1999 and have organised conferences back in the noughties to discuss queer sexuality within the Islamic tradition. Recently I’ve been inspired by the more spiritual aspects of Islamic meditation as well as traditional Indian yoga to keep my mind, body and soul at peace.

“Last year in July I got married to Erik, my partner then of 10 years. As he is Swedish and I have a Punjabi background, we fused our traditions and had Punjabi sherwani wedding outfits and replaced the turbans with Swedish midsummer flower crowns!

“From the first time I saw a Pride march on TV (as a frightened young person knowing that was where I wanted to be) to all the amazing Pride months I’ve celebrated with friends and family around the world, Pride has helped me to make a stand for my communities. It has brought many of us together to a safe space where we have found the strength to live our best lives” - Azeem