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 […]
Documenting the Story
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 […]
A Research Study: Syria is One of the Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQIA+ Individuals
A study conducted by the Guardians of Equality movement (GEM) concluded that Syria is one of the most repressive countries for women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The Syrian government and opposition forces have played roles in the oppression of LGBTQIA+ people in Syria, using homosexuality as a pretext for arrest and imprisonment. The research titled “We […]
“Modern Liberalism”: Assad’s Approach to Attacking Freedoms… How Did Asma al-Assad Involve the Issue of Homosexuality in Her Visit to China?
As part of a systematic strategy by the Syrian regime, Asma al-Assad recently targeted the LGBTQIA+ community, considering it the cornerstone of “modern liberalism.” In an attempt to portray LGBTQIA+ individuals as a weapon created by the West to threaten values and ethics in society, she made these remarks during a speech to university students […]
Homophobia in Iraq, a recurring chapter with the same motives – what have been the results?
The fear of authority against homosexuality in Iraq… How has it affected marginalized individuals? Homophobia in Iraq… What are the politicians’ motives and how did it impact the LGBTQIA+ community? “I feel like I’ve become like a wall… without any emotions, I’ve lost the desire to socialize and interact with others. I have difficulty sleeping. […]
For the first time in history, Syrian LGBTQIA+ will be involved in the decision-making process for the future of Syria!
We in the Guardians of Equality Movement are pleased to share with you the news of a significant milestone for the representation of the Syrian LGBTQIA+ community at the official international level. The Guardians of Equality Movement has been invited for the first time to participate in the Brussels Conference organized by the European Union, […]
Collapsed roofs and shattered dreams
In the past few months, I interviewed several members of the LGBTQIA community in northern and north-western Syria, to shed the light on an entirely overlooked community, in a land marked by one direction and one color. My aim was to break the stigma surrounding them and highlight their existence in this area, which is […]
FROM SYRIA TO TURKEY: A JOURNEY OF CONCEALED TRUTHS
Source: MY.KALI Words by Lara Bellone d’Altavilla1Illustrations by: Aude Nasr When most Syrian LGBTQ persons flee to Turkey, they don’t do so seeking safety for their sexual orientation. Rather, they flee seeking safety from the conflict and violence that has endured in Syria for over 10 years. The ongoing conflict has left 2.8 million internally displaced people (IDPs) […]
Persecution and violence follow LGBTQIA+ people, even at pride parades.
Pride marches are an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ communities to confront legislation/laws that oppose their human rights. However, they are often met with discrimination and abuse, particularly by authorties in countries that actively work against the execution of these events. Bello lives in Istanbul and tells us about what he experienced during his last pride walk: […]
Interview with GRLbint
Article Source: GRLبنت We are excited to share our recent interview with GRLbint, which focuses on gender issues in the MENA region. Read more about our organization and our upcoming goals! WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START GEM & WHAT DOES GEM HOPE TO ACHIEVE? GEM was founded by Syrian LGBTQIA+ rights defenders, humanitarian workers, […]
