to opportunity—free from discrimination or exclusion based on race, creed, or sex—ends abruptly when the concept is approached from a queer perspective. This lens inherently threatens the patriarchal power structures embedded within society.
When discussing the application of social justice, one often turns to the principles established by British Professor David Miller, detailed in his book Principles of Social Justice. Miller argues that implementation in any society requires a focus on three pillars: Desert (Merit), Need, and Equality. These principles vary by context, and both the state and society must adhere to them to ensure social justice is practiced without violation. Invoking these principles within the Syrian queer context is not necessarily an endorsement of their universal validity, but rather an inquiry into what constitutes social justice in Syria from the viewpoint of the LGBTQ+ community.
Miller’s Principles from a Queer Perspective
To achieve “Equality” through Miller’s lens, one must first expand the definition to include Recognition. From a queer perspective, it is insufficient for a transgender person to merely have the right to vote; the state must recognize them in official documents. The denial of identity is, in itself, a form of inequality.
Regarding Miller’s principle of “Need,” the state and society are obligated to provide resources and mechanisms that meet the basic requirements of all individuals without exception. In a queer context, this does not only mean focusing on needs arising from structural marginalization—such as psychological support, financial aid, and housing—but also biological needs, such as healthcare specifically tailored for transgender and intersex individuals.
As for the third principle, “Desert” (the equitable distribution of opportunities), achieving social justice requires a redesign of the labor market. It must be made neutral to ensure no gender-based bias exists, meaning a qualified individual cannot be rejected because their appearance is deemed “atypical” or “unfamiliar.”
“Social Justice as a Litmus Test”
To ground these concepts in reality, we asked several LGBTQ+ individuals in Syria: What does social justice mean to you? We have used pseudonyms to protect their identities.
Tarek, a young Syrian man who experienced asylum in Europe before returning to Syria last year, interprets social justice as the crystallization of the right to safety and the ability to remain in one’s homeland without fear or forced displacement. “It’s not just legal texts,” he says, but a collective action between state and society that fosters tranquility and the ability to build a stable life.
Yaman, a civil society activist, highlights the intersection between his gender identity and social justice, viewing the latter as “a true test of society’s ability to accept difference.” For him, it is an integrated system based on equal opportunity, respect for diversity, and ensuring active participation in public life. Equality is not measured by slogans but by societal practices that prevent exclusion or intimidation. This sentiment is echoed by Abdulrahman, a government employee, who believes social justice requires practical application starting with “how society views marginalized groups.” He maintains that the state is responsible for a fair distribution of resources, ensuring services and opportunities for all.
Justice Means a Law for All
The law embodies justice in its broadest sense through a legal umbrella that protects the rights of individuals without counter-discrimination against any group. In Syria, the current legal landscape appears ambiguous. Reliable sources describe a state of confusion within legal circles, which has hindered many pending cases due to the absence of regulating laws across various aspects of life.
If we were to define the stance of the law and current Syrian authorities toward sexual and gender minorities, “lack of clarity” would be an understatement. Social justice from a queer perspective is incomplete without a law that not only protects but recognizes, thereby fulfilling the principles of Equality, Need, and Desert. For example: a queer person should not be dismissed from work because of their appearance or identity without having safe access to the judiciary.
Thus, the visions of the LGBTQ+ community in Syria regarding social justice are not far removed from Miller’s framework. For Syrians, justice in its various forms has become a daily demand, especially following the events of December 8, 2024. The question remains: Will this consensus on the necessity of justice expand to include the recognition and rights of gay, lesbian, intersex, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary individuals in Syria? While all answers are possible, the more vital question is: What is our role in making it a reality?
