Living in secret: The LGBT+ community in Kurdistan
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Kurdistan Region’s LGBT+ community is struggling for acceptance in a society where family honour is paramount.
“When I turned 18, I had feelings for men. I would not enjoy holding a woman’s hand as much as holding a man’s hand. They told me “you don’t seem to be a man,” so I got married and started a life where neither of us understood each other,” said 40-year-old Shapol*.
“I am homosexual, I cannot help it. God made me this way,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for my two kids, I would end my life after this report. If it were not for their reputation and that of my brothers, you know how this society is, I would even show my face,” Shapol said.
The LGBT+ community faces violence, persecution, and arrest. Rudaw’s Dlnia Rahman spoke with several members of Kurdistan Region’s LGBT+ community for this feature. They told her of forced marriage, physical violence, being locked up by their family, homelessness.
What they want from society is understanding. “My only wish in life is to have an educated, healthy community where all colors are accepted, and no one goes through the pain I have went through,” Shapol said.
*Names have been changed to protect their identities.
“When I turned 18, I had feelings for men. I would not enjoy holding a woman’s hand as much as holding a man’s hand. They told me “you don’t seem to be a man,” so I got married and started a life where neither of us understood each other,” said 40-year-old Shapol*.
“I am homosexual, I cannot help it. God made me this way,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for my two kids, I would end my life after this report. If it were not for their reputation and that of my brothers, you know how this society is, I would even show my face,” Shapol said.
The LGBT+ community faces violence, persecution, and arrest. Rudaw’s Dlnia Rahman spoke with several members of Kurdistan Region’s LGBT+ community for this feature. They told her of forced marriage, physical violence, being locked up by their family, homelessness.
What they want from society is understanding. “My only wish in life is to have an educated, healthy community where all colors are accepted, and no one goes through the pain I have went through,” Shapol said.
*Names have been changed to protect their identities.