Protect your privacy: guidelines for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Aleppo
In most Arab countries, LGBTQIA+ individuals—gay, bisexual, intersex, and transgender people—often face various forms of discrimination. This ranges from mistreatment in the workplace, schools, and universities, to even medical facilities like hospitals and health centers. They may be subjected to assault, systematic torture, and even death, especially in detention centers, prisons, or during abductions. Criminalization […]
HIV: discrimination prevents LGBTQ Syrians from accessing treatment
I was hopeful when the Minister of Health in the Syrian Interim Government, “Maram Sheikh,” responded positively to participating in our news report on the reality of HIV. In truth, the purpose of discussing the topic with the minister is not to raise alarms or warnings, as Syria is one of the countries with low […]
The World Bank: Economic prosperity linked to equality
The World Bank published an extensive study highlighting the state of equal opportunities for sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+ individuals) across 64 countries worldwide. The study evaluated laws and regulations that constitute the “basis of discriminatory practices and barriers” faced by these individuals, including in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria. The analysis covered […]
Middle East: 5 Trans Hate Crimes in a year, and the Hidden is Worse!
Editor’s Note: The following report contains stories of violence. Trans Misogyny is a term first used in 2007 to describe the specific prejudice and hatred directed at trans women (individuals transitioning to female) or feminine-presenting individuals. The term stems from “misogyny,” which denotes hatred of women, highlighting the compounded risks faced by those expressing femininity, […]
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 […]
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 […]
