Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) is one of Syria’s first and rare LGBTQIA+ and intersectional organizations and a transitional organization registered in Canada. GEM works across diverse issues in support of LGBTQIA+, marginalized, and underrepresented communities, including protection, advocacy, policy, human rights, humanitarian response, economic empowerment, democracy, technology, and community development.
GEM is led by LGBTQIA+ activists, refugees, survivors, and victims of persecution who are committed to preventing others from experiencing the same suffering and violations they endured.
GEM was founded in response to the severe lack of rights, services, representation, and protection available to LGBTQIA+ communities in Syria. Since then, its work has expanded across Syria, neighboring countries, and internationally, addressing these gaps through community-led and locally shaped approaches.
While GEM’s primary focus remains Syria and the broader MENA region, it also works internationally through its Abroad Task Force (ATF), a solidarity program supporting LGBTQIA+ communities during emergencies and crises.
GEM also works in Canada on intersectional issues affecting LGBTQIA+, newcomer, marginalized, and underrepresented communities, with work spanning human rights, democracy, refugee and newcomer inclusion, advocacy, community building, partnerships, and changemaking.
We are committed to addressing the needs of LGBTQIA+, marginalized, and underrepresented communities through protection, humanitarian response, advocacy, policy, human rights, research, education, economic empowerment, technology, and community-led initiatives.
While our primary focus remains Syria and the broader MENA region, we also work internationally and in Canada to support LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalized and underrepresented groups, and human rights defenders through solidarity, partnerships, advocacy, and community engagement.
We strive to challenge discrimination, reduce stigma, expand opportunities, and promote equality by advancing knowledge, raising awareness, strengthening communities, and advocating for inclusive policies and human rights.
We believe that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and that dignity, equality, justice, and opportunity should be accessible to all.
We envision a world where LGBTQIA+, marginalized, and underrepresented communities can live safely, freely, and with dignity, with equal access to rights, opportunities, and participation, free from discrimination, violence, and persecution.
Through our continued efforts in protection, research, advocacy, humanitarian action, economic empowerment, technology, community building, and partnerships, we seek to foster safe and inclusive communities and create lasting change.
While our roots remain in Syria and the broader MENA region and our organization is established in Canada, we seek to expand our impact through international solidarity and by advancing equality and human rights globally.
GEM began as an idea in northwest Syria, where its founder, then in his twenties, secretly laid its foundations after surviving kidnappings, torture, and persecution for his human rights work. Forced to flee Syria in 2020, he later revived the vision as a refugee in Türkiye, bringing together activists, experts, and survivors.
On September 14, 2021, that vision became the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM).
Born from lived experience. Built through community.
Peace & Security
Technology & AI
Democracy & Pluralism
Dialogue
Climate Justice & Environment
Economic Equality & Livelihoods
Human Rights & Equality
Protection & Humanitarian Action
