Transgender in the Middle east: Ancient roots and current challenges
The issue of obtaining official documents and legal recognition for a third gender category outside the male-female binary is now one of the biggest challenges facing transgender individuals in many countries, including Syria and others in the Middle East. Reports describe this region as “difficult” for transgender people, with Syria labeled as particularly dangerous for […]
Finding Safety: Syrian LGBTQIA+ experiences in the Middle East
“Finding friends was a major challenge in a place like Idlib, Syria, where I live. However, I was able to connect online with people who share the same identity and experiences as me.” – Haidar, Idlib. “I don’t advise anyone in Iraq to build relationships with LGBTQIA+ individuals. With every arrest, the names of others […]
The LGBTQIA+ Individuals Amidst the War in Lebanon
Introduction For years, LGBTQIA+ individuals in Lebanon and Syria have been living under extremely complex and difficult humanitarian conditions due to various factors. The intensity of these conditions has worsened following the recent military escalation in the region. The displacement crisis resulting from the escalation has exacerbated the daily challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in […]
Support Adonis Al-Khaled.. a Syrian journalist assaulted in Germany
We, at the Organization of the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM), express our solidarity with the Syrian journalist Adonis Al-Khaled and condemn the physical and verbal assault he was subjected to by the personal security guards of the singer known as ‘Al-Shami’ in the city of Düsseldorf, Germany. Al-Khaled, who works as a correspondent for […]
“Go to Syria and die there”: Petition to stop deportation with ALL OUT
The number of signatories on a joint petition launched by All Out and the Guardians of Equality Movement, GEM, has exceeded 14,000 signatures. The petition calls on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Turkish Ministry of Interior, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European Commission to intervene in the case […]
Coming Out Day: Syrian LGBTQIA+ Experiences in Revealing Their Identity
“You’re afraid of your identity, and that’s the worst. Be proud of who you are, and those who love you will appreciate that!” – Rona, a young lesbian Syrian woman. “When I was in middle school, I would behave naturally as a gay boy, wearing a little makeup. After facing bullying and harm, I decided […]
International Lesbian Day: Famous Figures Throughout history
Throughout history, we have often looked back at a rich record of developments and changes that have shaped our world today. Revisiting history encourages us to critically and objectively examine many truths that are still framed as “controversial issues.” In this report, we take a brief look at an aspect of the lives of lesbians […]
Homosexuality in Ancient Syria and Iraq:Blessings and Privileges
Sabatino Moscati, author of the book *The Ancient Semitic Civilizations*, states that “despite its overall originality, Greek civilization owes much of its ideas to the peoples of Mesopotamia.” On the other hand, many who attack homosexuality and consider it a “phenomenon” argue that our history was never tolerant of it, and that rejecting it is […]
In solidarity with lebanese civilians: Lebanon in a crisis
Lebanese people have been suffering from multiple crises for years,and they’re supposed to be recovering today, not facing another one. We are horrified by the devastating situation in Lebanon, and we are sending our solidarity not only through thoughts but also through actions. At the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM), we are on high alert […]
Love, safety, and respect for freedoms”: Hopes for a better future
The Guardians of Equality Movement, in collaboration with LGBT Arabic, launched an open survey targeting members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The survey was titled “Documenting the Story,” and the target samples were followers of the LGBT Arabic platforms and the Guardians of Equality Movement on social media. A total of 65 individuals, mostly Syrians both […]
