IraQueer

IraQueer
Formation2015
FounderAmir Ashour
TypeNon-Governmental Organization
PurposeSupporting LGBT+ people in Iraq
FieldsHuman Rights, LGBT+ Rights
Official language
Arabic; Kurdish; English
Websiteiraqueer.org

IraQueer (Arabic: عراق کویر, Kurdish: عیڕاق کویر) is an Iraqi non-governmental organization based in Sweden advocating for LGBT rights in Iraq. It was founded in 2015.[1] The organization undertakes education, advocacy, and direct services.[2] IraQueer offers direct services that respond to urgent needs including safe housing,[3] and supporting asylum seekers. IraQueer also responds to United Nations reports,[4] and holds events.

The organization has partnered with local and international organizations including OutRight Action International, MADRE, COC Nederland, and Gay Times. It has also generated backlash from inside the country and has been renounced by Iraqi government officials.[5]

IraQueer is not registered in Iraq because LGBT organisations cannot register there,[6] and is forced for security reasons to carry out most work anonymously.[7] Its founder Amir Ashour lives in Sweden[6] and was awarded a "Generation Change Award" at the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards in Budapest.[8]

  1. ^ "Caabu hosts meeting with Amir Ashour, founder of Iraq's first LGBTQ+ movement IraQueer". Council for Arab-British Understanding. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  2. ^ "Education". IraQueer. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  3. ^ Stauss, Bridget (2020-06-18). "TV exposé from Iran targets LGBTQ safe houses in Iraq". Erasing 76 Crimes. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  4. ^ "Reports and Submissions". IraQueer. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  5. ^ "Fighting for the Right to Live" (PDF). Retrieved 2021-04-23.
  6. ^ a b "How one man is trying to make it safer to be LGBTQ in Iraq". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  7. ^ "Iraq's only openly gay activist on how he's fighting to make his country safer". The Independent. 2016-08-16. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  8. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (2021-11-14). "As MTV EMAs Go Ahead in Budapest Despite Anti-LGBTQ Laws, Hungarian Activist Award Winner Details 'Fear and Censorship'". Variety. Retrieved 2021-11-15.