Who We Are?

Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) is a Syrian LGBTQIA+ focused human rights organization  GEM is founded and led by Syrian LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Defenders, Activists, and Survivors/Victims/Refugees who strive to prevent a repeat of and protect others from the suffering and violations that occurred against them. 

GEM is dedicated to improving the lives of Syrian LGBTQIA+ people who experience discrimination/abuse on a regular basis due to their sexual orientation and gender identity in Syria and throughout the global Syrian diaspora. GEM works towards the protection and advocacy of human rights at social and diplomatic levels for all vulnerable Syrian LGBTQIA+ regardless of political affiliations, religion, or ethnic background.

Prior to the Syrian conflict, there was a gap in addressing Syrian LGBTQIA+ needs and promoting their basic human rights, which has since been exacerbated by the conflict. We aim to fulfil this gap through our tailored programs and services that target Syrian LGBTQIA+ inside Syria and those living in other MENA countries (for example Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan). 

Our programs support Syrian LGBTQIA+ individuals’ basic needs, provide holistic protection services including in unsafe environments, document LGBTQIA+ rights violations, and conduct research & advocacy promoting Syrian LGBTQIA+ rights.

GEM was founded on September 14th 2021 by Syrian and international LGBTQIA+ activists who recognized the gap in the Syrian context around LGBTQIA+ Issues at all levels of humanitarian work, human rights, civil society, and politics, etc. As such it is one of the first NGOs/CSOs to focus wholly on this specialised field.

We believe that by standing together we can achieve our goals, GEM means Solidarity in the Face of Inequality.

Vision

Guardians of Equality Movement envisions the equal rights of LGBTQIA+ Syrians through the international protection of their individual freedoms. We envision creating safe and tolerant environments for LGBTQIA+ inside Syria and globally through research and advocacy campaigns. We hope to expand our work to target all LGBTQIA+ people living throughout the Middle East and North Africa region.

svgexport-6 (5)

Mission Statement

We are dedicated to addressing the needs of vulnerable LGBTQIA+ individuals inside Syria and globally through our protection programs and research. Through educational resources, we aim to change negative stigmas and enhance equality through knowledge and greater understanding. We believe that Syrian LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and that we have a responsibility to guard the principles of equality for all Syrians, not just some. We hope that you will join us in our movement.

Objectives

  • Provides holistic protection services, case management, MHPSS, and security counseling services.

  • Provides financial assistance for urgent protection cases of Syrian LGBTQIA+ individuals and LGBTQIA+ human rights defenders/activists.

  • Advocates for Syrian LGBTQIA+ rights to global institutions, diplomatic communities, humanitarian organizations, and governments championing the equality of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Our advocacy campaigns aim to raise awareness about Syrian LGBTQIA+ & gender issues within Syria and in host communities.

  • Reports on the ongoing situation of the LGBTQIA+ community within the Syrian context. Develops research and monitoring tools for LGBTQIA+ human rights violations for international institutions and humanitarian organizations, Participation in the universal periodic report as LGBTQIA+ section.