September 14, 2011

IconLesbian and gay Iranians launch Facebook campaign

The group on the social networking site features Iranians both in and out of the country talking about their sexuality.

Many of the identities in the group and in the videos they have posted are hidden for fear of repercussions in the extremely-homophobic country. However, it is a deliberate act of defiance against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who claimed in 2007 that there were no homosexuals in Iran, adding, “We do not have this phenomenon.” Gay men have previously been hanged in the country for homosexual activities; three were allegedly put to death less than two weeks ago.

The Facebook page had almost 4000 likes at last count as supporters across the globe show their support for lesbian and gay Iranians. One video features a lesbian, Shokoofe, who says, “My queer experience started by falling in love and I believe everybody can feel that in this world… The strange thing was that people around me were thinking it was a joke while I was suffering. The most painful thing was not being able to talk with people close to you. I could talk, but they did not listen.” Shokoofe adds, “I think we can live in a better world, where you don’t face death for being in love with a person. I hope our days have a big sun, a rainbow and loves that can be talked about without fear.”

Some of the comments on the page are from Iranians who have fled due to persecution. Many of these sought refuge in Turkey where they also face homophobia.

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