Syria, Middle East

The modern state of Syria was formerly a French mandate and attained independence in 1946, but can trace its roots to the Eblan civilization in the third millennium BC. Homosexuality in Syria is still considered illegal. However, instances of persecution are limited to nonexistent. Article 520 of the penal code of 1949, prohibits having homosexual relations, i.e. "carnal knowledge against the order of nature", and provides for a possible three-years imprisonment. However, the law is de-facto suspended. However, the Syrian authorities can use individuals' sexual orientation to blackmail, harass and eventually abuse members of the LGBT community. Law enforcement officers have zero tolerance toward the LGBT community. Also see: Islam and Homosexuality

 

News & Reports:

 

Gay and trans Syrians routinely mutilated, raped and anally violated by ISIS militants and government officials alike

Queer people in Syria suffer extreme and humiliating forms of sexual violence at the hands of government officials and ISIS militants, according to an explosive report shared by one of the world’s top LGBT+ right organisations. In interviews with 40 LGBT+ people and three heterosexual men as well as various caseworkers and humanitarian organisation representatives,… Read more »

Non-binary Muslim writer ‘heartbroken’ after queer refugee story is banned from 11 countries

The season finale of Apple TV Plus’ Little America, which spotlights gay Muslim refugees, has been banned across 10 Arabian counties as well as Russia. Titled “The Son”, the episode features actor Haaz Sleiman and Adam Ali as the two leads and explores the true story of a gay Syrian refugee seeking asylum in the… Read more »

Gay Syrian recounts two-year long sexual abuse ordeal when he was 13

This article contains details of graphic sexual assault that some readers may find upsetting A gay Syrian man is hoping to inspire other survivors of domestic abuse by sharing the story of his ‘terrifying’ sexual abuse when he was 13 years old. Adnan Al Mouselli, now 25, was born in Damascus, Syria but moved to… Read more »

‘Mr Gay Syria’: film documents lives of LGBTI Syrian refugees

When “Mr Gay Syria” premiered at the Sheffield Film Festival in England this June, it took viewers by surprise. For starters, the documentary revolves around a little-spoken of community: gay Syrian refugees. Turkish director and journalist Ayse Toprak chronicles the lives of Hussein Sabat and Mahmoud Hassino, as an usual quest brings them together. Married… Read more »

‘Jihaderotica’: Author Takes Aim At ISIS With Gay Love Story

A new novel takes on the terror group, by imagining a tender same-sex love affair on the battlefield Opponents have gone after the Islamic State with bombs, with interdiction, and by fighting its propaganda online. Here’s a novel approach: gay sex stories. An elusive fiction writer has published a narrative about the Sunni militants’ ongoing… Read more »

This Syrian refugee marched next to Canada’s Prime Minister at Pride

A Syrian refugee marched next to Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Toronto Pride. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau made history on Sunday by becoming the first Prime Minister to march in Toronto’s Pride parade, with thousands taking to the streets for the celebrations. However, while lots of people were focused on Mr Trudeau, another man… Read more »

EXCLUSIVE – We’re more than bodies thrown off buildings by Isis! ‘Mr Gay Syria’ contestants wear leather hotpants in show of defiance against Islamic State as winner reveals his boyfriend was beheaded by extremists

Hussein Sabat was crowned ‘Mr Gay Syria’ at Istanbul competition this year and is now campaigning for LGBT rights The courageous 24-year-old wants to show that Syrian gay men are more than bodies thrown off buildings by ISIS Five brave competitors bared their souls, performed strip teases and danced in high heels to impress the… Read more »

Shelter for LGBT Syrian refugees to open in Berlin

A LGBT rights group in Germany is opening a new home in Berlin for gay refugees. The project by Schwulenberatung Berlin is in cooperation with the city council and will create shelter for over 120 people, reports euronews.com. The group behind the project say they decided to open the shelter due to abuse gay migrants… Read more »

ISIS stones two more gay men to death in Syria

Warning: Graphic Content This article contains images that are not available on this site. Original Article by Nick Duffy Source – PinkNews

Gay asylum seekers face threat from fellow refugees in Europe

Dresden, Germany — Rami Ktifan made a snap decision to come out. A fellow Syrian had spotted a rainbow flag lying near the 23-year-old university student’s belongings inside a packed refugee center. The curious man, Ktifan recalled, picked it up before casually asking, “What is this?” “I decided to tell the truth, that it is… Read more »

ISIS Wanted to Kill Me for Being Gay

A few months ago, gay Syrian refugee Subhi Nahas feared for his life. This week, he made history with a UN address about the vicious persecution of LGBTs under ISIS. It was only two months ago, when his plane took off from Turkey to take him to his new life in the United States, that… Read more »

Seeking home: The lives of gay and transgender asylum seekers of the Middle East

Beginning in Damascus, Syria, in 2010, photojournalist Bradley Secker began to document the lives of gay Iraqi refugees that had fled Iraq to escape homophobic violence. Shortly after chronicling their stories, Secker crossed borders and traveled to Turkey, following Iranians, Turkish Kurds, Syrians and more Iraqis who were claiming asylum abroad or fighting for their… Read more »

Gay Refugees From ISIS

If caught by jihadis, Syrian gays may be thrown from rooftops, or ransomed. And many live in fear of their own families. But Lebanon’s not the safe haven they hoped. Beirut — Two young men we’ll call Karim and Tareq were walking through the streets of Raqqa, Syria, in September 2013 on their second date.… Read more »

Sick Islamic terrorists pushed man off building for being gay – then stoned lifeless body

In a series of photographs released by the religious fanatics, the terrified man sits blind-folded on a plastic chair as a grinning executioner takes pictures of the crowd below Sick Islamic terrorists pushed a man off a building for being gay – and then stoned his lifeless body as it lay on the ground. In… Read more »

Two gay Syrian refugees get sanctuary in Canada

Canada: A gay Syrian couple seeking refuge from discrimination and war in their hometown are now able to live in Canada after local sponsors and supporters intervened on their behalf “I want to ride a roller coaster for the first time,” Danny Ramadan told cbc.ca. “I would also like to give back to the community… Read more »

Gay Syrian refugees start new lives in Vancouver

Same-sex couple among the first of 1,300 refugees Canada promised to bring in by end of 2014 Two gay Syrian refugees are enjoying their first full day in Canada Wednesday, thanks to the efforts of local sponsors and supporters. “I want to ride a roller coaster for the first time,” says Danny Ramadan. “I would… Read more »

LGBT Syrians seek refuge in Lebanon

Ahmed Danny Ramadan, a journalist who has contributed to publications in the U.S. and other countries, returned to the Syrian capital two months before the country’s civil war began in 2011. He said his colleagues at the non-governmental organization where he worked “hated” the fact he is openly gay, so they reported him to Syrian… Read more »

Being gay in Syria

When Syrian rebels took Racca last March, one would have thought that the capture of this northern city that was previously controlled by the regime of President Bashar al-Assad would suffice them. They do not get involved in the private lives of citizens by Amir, a Syrian from the city. This quiet period did not… Read more »

Syria Gay Activists Launch First Magazine

The magazine hopes to highlight threats against homosexuals, especially in wartime Syrian homosexuals marched through the center of Istanbul on Thursday, raising both Syrian revolution and regime flags. The controversial rally, which took place the central Istiklal Street was organized by Mawaleh (salty nuts), Syria’s first gay magazine. In an interview with Zaman al-Wasl, the… Read more »

Gays join the Syrian uprising

Gay men and lesbians lead tough lives in Syria, where homosexuality is illegal. One man has taken it upon himself to bring the community together, whether or not they, like him, have joined the anti-regime opposition. The room fills with the music of Elissa, the Lebanese singer who has become a gay icon in Syria.… Read more »

Gays of Syria, Unite!

Homosexuality is illegal in Syria, despite Assad’s promises of reform. Why some gays are joining the revolution. Mahmoud Hassino knew he was gay at age 12. He wasn’t attracted to girls, but he was very interested in his male friends. Later, as a teenager growing up in Damascus, his mother figured out his sexual orientation… Read more »

Mawaleh – Syria’s First Gay Magazine

  It took us a long time, but it is looking good and we hope it is going to be informative. I come out in this issue, check it, flip through it even if you don’t read Arabic, and you will know who I am. Mawaleh is online on issuu.com, click here to view it… Read more »

Syria: Extrajudicial Executions (non-gay background article)

Security Council Sanctions, ICC Referral Needed (New York) – Syrian security forces summarily executed over 100 – and possibly many more – civilians and wounded or captured opposition fighters during recent attacks on cities and towns, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The 25-page report, “In Cold Blood: Summary Executions by Syrian… Read more »

Op-ed: The Legacy of the Bush War on Iraqi Gays

Even with the end of the war in Iraq, there is no relief for gay Iraqis who live in a desperate reality being documented by a publication called Gay Middle East. With the lowering of the American flag, finally off Iraqi soil as it returns home to the United States, and the ecstatic familial greetings… Read more »

Gay Syria News & Reports 2011

Also see: Gay Middle East Web Site More information about Islam & Homosexuality Other articles of interest Queer Muslim magazine: Huriyah Gay Islam discussion groups: Muslim Gay Men     LGBT muslim Queer Jihad           Bi-muslims Trans-muslims       Lesbian muslims 1 Syria during the Protests: more fear, more arrests 5/11 2 Will gays be ‘sacrificial lambs’ in Arab Spring?… Read more »

Gay Syria News & Reports 2003-10

Also see: Gay Middle East Web Site More information about Islam & Homosexuality Other articles of interest Queer Muslim magazine: Huriyah Gay Islam discussion groups: Muslim Gay Men     LGBT muslim Queer Jihad           Bi-muslims Trans-muslims       Lesbian muslims 1 Syria postpones U.N. draft resolution on human rights and sexual orientation 4/03 2 Have Syrian authorities threatened gays… Read more »