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You can find useful information about LGBTQ in Iran in the above Motion Graphic. The text below will give you additional information.
Gender, sex and sexual orientation are three of the most significant aspects of human existence. They relates to identities and roles, sexual dispositions, lust, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. However, a person’s sex, gender and sexual orientation can also affect their ideas, aspirations, beliefs, worldview, perspectives, values, behaviours and social roles. The earliest records of same-gender attraction date back to the time of ancient Greece.
Same-gender-attracted people want relationships with people of their own genders to satiate their sexual demands and fulfil their desires. Many religious adherents view sexual practice with a person of the same sex as unnatural and sinful. This phenomenon was once classified by the DSM as a sexual deviation, but many countries’ laws have since changed to recognise it as legitimate. The dual-sex and dual-gender system of male and female is the basis for all planning and legislation in Iran, which is a traditional and transitional society. Departures from this dual-gender system are viewed as exhibits of behavioural disorders, psychological issues or aggressive behaviours. Therefore, the current criminal law system in Iran does not tolerate the LGBTQ+ community, and non-heteronormative relationships lead to consequences such as prosecution, harassment, one hundred whips and execution. Despite Iran having ratified numerous human-rights conventions, there is still a significant gap between international and Islamic standards. One example of this is Iran’s criminal law system, which mandates the stoning, amputation and whipping of transgender people. All of these punishments fall under the international definitions of torture and crimes against humanity. During the research published in Forbidden Tale: A Comprehensive Study on Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals in Iran, Kameel Ahmady and his team found that, in the three Iranian metropolises of Tehran, Isfahan and Mashhad, the largest number of LGBTQ+ people identify as gay, the next largest as lesbian, and then bisexual. What should be noted is that the study’s interviewees neither answered the critical questions related to sexual orientation nor provided practical answers. Due to this, greater care was taken during the interviews that followed the trust-building phases to increase the level of confidentiality in the research environment and encourage respondents to answer personal questions without embarrassment or discomfort. Accurate and up-to-date statistics on the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender….) population in Iran are difficult to obtain due to the sensitive nature of the topic and the lack of official and religious recognition and protections for LGBT individuals in the country. Iran’s legal, similac and social environment poses significant challenges for the LGBTQ+ community, as same-sex sexual activity is criminalised, and LGBT individuals often face discrimination, harassment, and persecution. The Iranian government does not officially acknowledge the existence of LGBT individuals and does not provide legal protections or recognition of same-sex relationships. As a result of these conditions, many LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran face significant social and legal barriers, leading to underreporting and limited visibility. Activists and human rights organisations (outside of Iran) have documented cases of arrests, imprisonment, and even past execution of individuals based on their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The fear of persecution and societal stigma also leads many LGBT individuals to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is crucial to recognize that the lack of available statistics does not negate the existence or experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran. Various human rights organisations continue to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ Iranians and shed light on the challenges they face. However, due to the limited data and the difficult circumstances surrounding the LGBTQ+ community in Iran, it is challenging to provide precise statistical information on the size or demographics of the LGBTQ+ population in the country. The history of LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran is complex and deeply intertwined with the cultural, religious, and political context of the country. Iran has a long and rich history dating back thousands of years, and historical records suggest that some forms of same-sex relationships were not uncommon in ancient Persia/ Iran. However, with the rise of Islam as the dominant religion in the region during the 7th century, attitudes towards homosexuality began to shift. Islamic teachings and interpretations of religious texts have played a significant role in shaping societal views on same-sex relationships in Iran. According to Islamic law, homosexuality is considered a sin and is punishable under certain interpretations. During the 20th century, Iran underwent significant social and political changes. Following the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the country experienced a conservative turn, and the new regime implemented strict interpretations of Islamic law. Homosexuality was criminalised, and LGBTQ+ individuals faced increased persecution and discrimination. Despite these challenges, the LGBT community in Iran has resiliently sought visibility and recognition. Activism and advocacy efforts by brave individuals within the country and few organisations in the diaspora have worked to shed light on the experiences and rights of LGBT Iranians. These efforts have faced significant obstacles due to government repression and societal stigma. It is important to note that the history of LGBT individuals in Iran is marked by struggles and human rights violations. Reports of arrests, imprisonment, and even executions based on perceived homosexuality or gender non-conformity underscore the challenges faced by LGBT Iranians. In recent years, there has been a growing movement and interest for LGBTQ+ rights within Iran, with some individuals and organisations (out side of Iran) working towards greater acceptance and understanding. However, progress remains slow, and the legal and social environment continues to pose significant barriers for the LGBTQ+ community. Iranian LGBTQ+ people are a silenced minority who usually have to hide their identities or sexual orientations from their families and friends, as they have fears and worries about being blamed and socially rejected.Certainly, the research provides an important window into the lives of Iranian LGBTQ+ people, most of whom have chosen to live in secrecy. We hope that the findings and conclusions of this study will lead to new policies and mediation efforts. Sexual activity between members of the same sex is illegal and can be punishable ranging from lashes to death penalty. However, according to some recent fatwa, people who transgender can legally change their assigned sex only through a sex reassignment surgery.
LGBT statistics in Iran
History LGBT in Iran
Why Should We Care?
Iranian Concerns for LGBT
Articles
FAQ About Lesbian Gays and Bisexual (LGBT)
- What does LGBTQ+ mean? LGBTQ+ is an abbreviation for all kinds of sexes, genders and sexual orientations; e.g. homosexual, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex. The rainbow pride flag is a popular LGBTQ+ symbol. This flag represents pride, diversity, tolerance and respect for fellow human beings.
- What is the punishment for gay men in Iran? Iran is one of the few countries in the world where, according to its laws, gay men are sentenced to death. Article 109 of the Islamic Penal Law approved in 1991 stipulates the death penalty for sexual intercourse between two men. In the new bill, the conditions have been slightly reformed: according to Article 233, the receiver will be executed in any case, and the penetrator will be executed only in case of ‘violence, reluctance, and having a wife’ – if he committed rape or was married before establishing a gay relationship. Another situation that carries the risk of execution is if one partner in the relationship is non-Muslim and the other is Muslim. In that case, according to the commentary on Article 233, the sentence is death.
- What is the punishment for lesbian women in Iran? For sexual relations between two women, the Islamic Penal Code stipulates 100 lashes in Article 129. Under Article 135 of the new Islamic Penal Law, the same punishment is given for lesbians. At the same time, Article 135 of that bill approves the death sentence for repeated lesbian relations between women: ‘If a woman is tried three times for the crime of having sex with another woman and the limit applies to her, she will be executed the fourth time.
- What are the solutions for reducing social and legal pressures on LGBT people in Iran? Among the various first-step solutions for reducing such social and legal pressures are bridging the information gap, educating about the diversity of sexual groups, avoiding traditional heteronormative relationship stereotypes and complementary thinking toward sexual relationships, recognising ideological incomprehension, accepting the current situation without bias, analysing the available data and gathering reliable baseline data, supporting the conducting of research, testing new and innovative ideas, and offering local solutions.
What can be done to promote mental health and well-being within the LGBT community and address the disproportionately higher rates of mental health challenges, including depression and suicide, that some LGBT individuals face?
Understanding and respecting the individual experiences and identities within the LGBT community is vital to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Mental health disparities, violence, and discrimination remain pressing issues for many within the LGBT community, highlighting the importance of support, education, and advocacy.
How has the legal landscape evolved concerning LGBT rights, including issues such as same-sex marriage, discrimination protection, and gender identity recognition, and what is the current state of these rights globally?
LGBT rights movements have made significant progress in advocating for equal rights, marriage equality, and social acceptance, but challenges and discrimination persist in many parts of the world.