Since its inception over five years ago, the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) has navigated numerous challenges, while its team has accumulated profound expertise in addressing issues affecting SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) minorities in Syria. Through the publication of various reports, research papers, and in-depth studies, GEM has established itself as a primary resource for international human rights organizations and official institutions worldwide.
Most recently, a research study published by GEM titled “Syrian LGBTQIA+ People in Conflict and Displacement” was cited as a key source in an extensive report by the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The report, titled “Syria after Assad – Developments until March 2025,” serves as a vital guide for the German government in shaping domestic policies, particularly regarding migration and asylum.
The 2024 GEM study highlights the severe challenges faced by SOGIESC minorities in Syria during the conflict and throughout the displacement journey. It sheds light on the intersectionality of their suffering while emphasizing the pivotal role of LGBTQIA+ individuals in peacebuilding and justice processes.
The significance of this study lies in its detailed analysis of the specific conditions of LGBTQIA+ individuals both within Syria—across different areas of control—and abroad, covering the period between 2011 and 2024. The research provides a comprehensive look at legal, social, economic, and health-related levels, while documenting cases of psychological and sexual violence during detention.
