One of the most fascinating paradoxes (to me) in our reports “Unheard Voices” is that the protagonists of these stories—those often seen as the weakest and most vulnerable groups in society—turned out to be the exact opposite in reality. Gender identity was not a barrier for many of them—members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Syria—to stand at the forefront, facing danger just like others, in pursuit of a revolution that has claimed millions of victims in a homeland that has long been unwelcoming to its sexual and gender minorities.
And perhaps the young Syrian in his twenties, Sami Al-Aghbashi, who grew up amid the harsh realities of one of the most violent wars of modern times, serves as another example of the many voices we have not heard—or that have not been heard. Residing in northwestern Syria, an area that has seen the control of nearly all military factions in the country and has endured relentless shelling and military operations for over a decade, Sami has faced arrest and numerous dangers due to his human rights activism.
The Syrian Revolution and the Desire for Change
Despite his young age and the assumption that he “lacked sufficient awareness,” Sami eagerly joined the early demonstrations in Idlib against the Assad regime, driven by the chants and slogans of the revolution that filled him with passion. His initial participation and later contributions to the uprising hold profound meanings, as he describes them as being “rooted in a deep sense of injustice and a desire for change.”
He continues today what he started years ago—documenting violations and writing and editing news stories specializing in gender issues. However, before that, under the harsh conditions, his experience had to extend to humanitarian and relief work, including volunteering in field hospitals. Despite the dangers of humanitarian and human rights activism in conflict zones—and the fact that these risks were even greater for Sami due to his gender identity—he felt a deep necessity to persist in his work, striving for a better future for LGBTQIA+ individuals. As he puts it:
“I came to see the revolution as an uprising against the entire system of oppression and injustice.”
Indeed, Sami shares, without delving into too much detail, the painful experiences he has endured due to his activism. Beyond persecution and imprisonment, the memories of Russian airstrikes remain ever-present in his mind. He describes his near-death encounters in just a few powerful words:
“I saw it with my own eyes, smelled it, and touched it with my own hands!”
“Being part of the revolution gave me faith in myself. Through my participation, I helped build bridges of communication with people from different backgrounds and promoted the values of freedom and equality in various circles where I was active. This involvement also gave me the opportunity to provide direct support to those affected by the severe security escalation in the region.”
Syrian LGBTQIA+ at the “Frontlines of the Revolution”
I asked Sami about his perspective on the importance of LGBTQIA+ participation in the Syrian revolution and how he documented their contributions. As an on-the-ground activist, a field coordinator for Guardians of Equality Movement, and someone with diverse experience in the Syrian context, he began his response by emphasizing the sacrifices many LGBTQIA+ individuals have made for the revolution:
“Members of our community played a significant and vital role in the revolution. They were at the forefront. They held critical and administrative positions in opposition and revolutionary institutions—across politics, media, medical relief, education, and psychological support. Some even fought on the frontlines.”
While Sami believes that the participation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Syrian revolution “reflects the strength and diversity within Syrian society,” he also sees it as proof that the struggle for freedom and justice includes everyone, without discrimination. For him, its significance lies in “strengthening solidarity and understanding among different social groups and demonstrating that everyone has an equal right to live with dignity and freedom.”
Although the participation of all individuals in the Syrian revolution, with their diversity and differences, is crucial, Sami believes that LGBTQIA+ participation holds a unique significance. However, he regrets that recognition of their contributions remains largely limited to the LGBTQIA+ community itself.
“Most revolutionaries haven’t understood—or refuse to understand—that having LGBTQIA+ individuals alongside them is one of the most beautiful aspects of the revolution, and that the revolution is meant to include everyone.”
Sami dreams of reaching countries with non-discriminatory laws and more inclusive societies. He cites studies that emphasize the importance of integrating the LGBTQIA+ community into the political process and nation-building efforts:
“This contributes to achieving sustainable development and fosters social and economic progress.”
Any direct or indirect attempt to exclude or express sexual bias in all its forms serves as an additional motivation for Sami to continue his defense of everyone’s rights “without discrimination.” He remains committed to supporting causes of freedom and justice, stating:
“My identity as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community has always been a source of strength and inspiration for me.”
