Since its inception, the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) has dedicated its efforts to building expertise in documenting the realities of LGBTQIA+ individuals both inside Syria and in the diaspora. Thanks to these sustained efforts, numerous reports, research papers, and studies published by GEM have become primary sources for international human rights organizations, official institutions, and media platforms worldwide.
A research study conducted by GEM on “Syrian LGBTQIA+ Individuals During the Conflict and in the Diaspora” was recently cited as a key source in an extensive report published by the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), titled “Syria After Assad – Developments Up to March 2025”. Furthermore, the BAMF report relied on published interviews and testimonies featuring GEM’s founder and director to assess the situation of the LGBTQIA+ community post-Assad, including reports from the British Metro newspaper and the Diversity Media Institute.
The research study cited in the German government’s report—originally published by GEM in 2024—examined the severe challenges facing sexual and gender minorities in Syria during the war and throughout their asylum journeys. It highlighted the intersectional nature of their suffering while emphasizing the pivotal role of LGBTQIA+ individuals in peacebuilding efforts and the path toward justice.
The significance of this report stems from its issuance by a government body responsible for immigration and asylum in Germany (BAMF), upon which the German government relies to process asylum claims. Consequently, this report will directly support the asylum applications of Syrian LGBTQIA+ individuals at a highly critical time, when refugees—particularly members of the LGBTQIA+ community—face mounting challenges in having their asylum claims accepted.
