STORIES

RIGHT TO BREATHE

MENA Region

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains a challenging place for LGBTQ+ individuals. Legal restrictions, social stigma, and state-sponsored repression have created a hostile environment for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Same-sex activity is illegal in many countries, and in some cases, it is punishable by death. These harsh realities are compounded by deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs that often stigmatize homosexuality.

Despite these formidable obstacles, LGBTQ+ individuals in the MENA region are refusing to be silenced. They are sharing their stories and challenging the prevailing narratives to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

The story "Right to Breathe" offers a poignant exploration of the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the region. By featuring anonymous portraits and interviews, it provides a glimpse into their hopes, fears, and experiences. The juxtaposition of these personal stories with quotations from Islamic texts that criminalize homosexuality highlights the stark contrast between legal restrictions and lived realities.

While the Muslim community as a whole generally considers homosexuality a grave sin, the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the MENA region demonstrate the complex interplay between religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and state policies. These individuals are fighting for the right to be who they are, and their courage and resilience serve as an inspiration for others.

As the region continues to evolve, there is a growing movement to challenge discriminatory laws and promote greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. Advocates are calling for reforms to legal frameworks, increased awareness and education, and greater support for LGBTQ+ communities. The struggle for equality in the MENA region is ongoing, but the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals are becoming increasingly powerful.

Razye, a 19-year-old woman living in Laghman, Afghanistan, faces a daily battle for survival. As a lesbian in a country governed by Sharia law, her rights are severely curtailed. The Taliban's influence in her city means that she must adhere to strict religious guidelines. Razye's family remains unaware of her sexual orientation, and she fears for her life if they were to find out. Stoning is the punishment for being gay in Afghanistan, and the Taliban have the power to carry it out. The future holds little hope for Razye. The concept of a bright future seems distant and unattainable in a society where her basic rights are constantly threatened. Razye: “I don't have basic human rights here, I couldn't finish school, I always have to were Burqa and follow the laws of Sharia, and now my family is forcing me to get married to a man. They do not know that I am lesbian and do not want to get married. If they find out, they will kill me, they have that right. I rather die than be forced to marry a man, I will do it if the time comes.”

Waaiz, an LGBTQ+ individual living in Egypt, faces a constant threat to their safety and well-being. The lack of supportive laws for the LGBTQ+ community in Egypt means that individuals can be subjected to harassment, discrimination, and violence without legal recourse. Waaiz describes a climate of fear, where even the police can detain and torture LGBTQ+ individuals based solely on their gender expression. The use of dating applications as a trap to target LGBTQ+ individuals is a common tactic, leading to physical and psychological abuse and forced confessions. The future appears bleak for Waaiz, who feels trapped in a society that does not accept or protect them. Despite the challenges, Waaiz holds onto a glimmer of hope that things may change in the future. Waaiz: “Every day we experience harassment and systematic suppression. People can do whatever they want to us, even police can detain and torture us because of our sexuality. Believe it or not, I'm scared for my life. I know some friends who had been arrested by police, they trapped them through dating applications. They got physically and mentally and were forced to sign confessions. I'm not optimistic about the future but maybe things change, I hope it does.”

Sherwin, a gay man living in Iran, faces a constant threat to his safety and well-being. His sexual orientation is criminalized in Iran, and he experiences discrimination, harassment, and violence on a daily basis. Sherwin has endured traumatic experiences, including rape and physical assault. Street harassment is a common occurrence, and he has been targeted for his appearance and perceived "unacceptable" behavior. The authoritarian religious government in Iran supports discriminatory laws and practices, further marginalizing LGBTQ+ individuals. With all Sherwin holds onto hope that one day, Iran will become a more tolerant and accepting society, where LGBTQ+ individuals can live freely without fear of persecution. Sherwin: “I don't have the right to breathe in my country just because I'm gay, I have no rights or even safety. I was raped when I was child because of how I look and behave, I had several street harassments experiences, once several people beat me up and made fun of my clothes, cut my hair, and threatened me not to go out like this. These people do these things because the know that law is backing them up. My biggest fear is that nothing will change and everything will remain the same, but at the same time, I still hope everything will change and get better one day and we can get our freedom.”

Salma, a 27-year-old lesbian living in Iraq, faces a constant threat of violence and discrimination. LGBTQ+ individuals in Iraq lack legal protections, making them vulnerable to harassment, abuse, and even murder. Salma experiences daily physical, sexual, and verbal harassment. Honor killings and vigilante justice are common occurrences against LGBTQ+ citizens, with reports of gruesome acts of violence, such as crushing victims with concrete blocks or throwing them from buildings. Living in constant fear, Salma can only hope for a future where LGBTQ+ individuals in Iraq are treated with respect and dignity. Salma: “I'm experiencing everyday physical, sexual, and verbal harassment here, and a lot of Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Queer (“LGBTQ”) citizens are frequently victims of vigilante justice and honor killings. Being gay is dangerous especially in my hometown, there were reports of violence against LGBTQ citizens such as crushing the heads and limbs of gays with concrete blocks repeatedly until death or some have been thrown or pushed from high buildings. I'm living in everyday fear that these things might happen to me one day and the only thing I can do is hope that maybe in the future our lives change.”

Taraneh, a 37-year-old queer woman, has faced a lifetime of challenges, both in her native country and as a refugee in Turkey. Forced into marriage at the age of 14, she endured an abusive and unfulfilling relationship for 16 years. After discovering her sexual orientation, Taraneh found herself trapped in a country where LGBTQ+ individuals face severe discrimination and persecution. She eventually escaped her marriage and sought refuge in Turkey. Despite her newfound freedom, Taraneh's struggles continued. She has battled cancer, faced financial difficulties due to a lack of health insurance and a work permit, and endured daily harassment from locals who hold anti-LGBTQ+ views. While Turkey has some supportive laws for the LGBTQ+ community, these are often ignored or disregarded by the general public, who frequently rely on harmful stereotypes and religious interpretations that demonize LGBTQ+ individuals. Taraneh: “I don't have the right to breathe in Turkey because I am a queer and refuge here. For 16 years I was with that man until we both came to Turkey for a trip and I got the chance to escape from him and seek refuge here. It's been 7 years that I'm living in Turkey, I got cancer, we do not have health insurance nor working permits, and besides all, I still experience everyday harassment everywhere. most people just listen to what Islam saying about gays. They are evil, kill them. I hope and hope for a change”

Ali, a 25-year-old man living in Tehran, faces a constant threat to his safety and well-being. In Iran, same-sex relationships are illegal and punishable by death. This oppressive legal framework has forced Ali to live in fear and isolation. Ali's biggest fear is that his family will discover his sexual orientation. Their religious beliefs and support for the government's discriminatory laws could lead to rejection or even violence. Ali longs for a day when people understand that being different is normal and acceptable. He believes that sexual orientation is a personal matter that should not be used to justify discrimination or punishment. Ali: “I don't have the right to breathe here because based on state law it's forbidden to fall in love with another man. It is hard to fall in love here because if they find out that two homosexuals are in love and have a relationship, they risk death and execution. Here I cannot live as a normal human being, all is because I am gay. I wish one day people understand that being different is also beautiful and normal, and what is happening inside our bed is not the reason to be sinners or evil.”

Tariq, a 25-year-old trans man, was forced to flee Syria due to the civil war and the persecution he faced for his gender identity. In Syria, he was unable to access gender confirmation surgery and endured severe abuse from his family and community. After four years in Turkey, where he underwent gender confirmation surgery and found a partner, Tariq continues to face discrimination and harassment. The religious and conservative attitudes of many Turkish people mirror those he encountered in Syria, making his life difficult and uncertain. Tariq and his partner are hoping to relocate to another country where they can live without fear of persecution and discrimination while they have hope for a better future in their country. Tariq: “I am a trans man who was forced to leave Syria and seek refuge in Turkey because of my gender identity, which is different from the norms of Syrian society, as well as because of the civil war. In Syria, I could not perform gender confirmation surgery. On the other hand, I was repeatedly tortured and verbally abused by my family and society. They believe I am a sinner and threatened to kill me many times. I have been living in Turkey for four years, people here are as religious and fanatical as the Syrian people, we are facing harassment physical abuse, we are just hoping to relocate to another country to start a new life without any kind of discrimination. While I still have some hopes for a better future that we do live freely here in our own countries.”

Pegah, a 22-year-old lesbian living in Iran, faces a constant threat of violence and discrimination. Her sexuality is criminalized in Iran, and she experiences daily harassment and abuse. Pegah's biggest fear is that she will never experience love or companionship. In Iran, same-sex relationships are not recognized, and they are considered sinful and illegal. Pegah is planning to leave Iran in search of a more accepting and inclusive society where she can live freely and without fear of persecution. Pegah: “I do not have the right to breathe here because I always experience physical, sexual, and verbal abuse just because of my sexuality, it happens every day and everywhere. My biggest fear is that I don't find the chance to experience love here and be alone for all my life. Experiencing love in Iran is very difficult because same-sex love is not recognized, this is an Islamic country and the relationships between the same sexes are a sin and a crime. I'm planning to leave Iran soon, as long as I'm here, I cannot be free and live a life without any kind of discrimination. But I still hope everything will change and get better one day and we can get our freedom.”

Arte, a 24-year-old Afghan gay man, has faced numerous challenges due to his sexual orientation. Born in Iran, where his family had fled the Afghan civil war, Arte faced rejection and abuse from his traditional and religious family. After coming out as gay, Arte was subjected to conversion therapy and forced confinement. He eventually escaped and sought refuge in Turkey. While Turkey offers some degree of protection for LGBTQ+ individuals, Arte continues to face discrimination and harassment. The prevalence of traditional and religious views in Turkey means that he and his partner cannot openly express their relationship without risking abuse. Arte: “My family immigrated to Iran because of the Afghan civil war. Because my family is traditional and religious they pushed me so much when they found out I was gay. They tried Conversion therapy; I was taken to a psychologist for treatment. I was locked in the home for two years. the pressure continued until I escaped and took refuge in Turkey. I'm settled here for now but people here are the same as they were in my country, traditional and religious, they see us as sinners. But with raising awareness we can hope for a better future.”