Formation | 2015 |
---|---|
Founder | Amir Ashour |
Type | Non-Governmental Organization |
Purpose | Supporting LGBT+ people in Iraq |
Fields | Human Rights, LGBT+ Rights |
Official language | Arabic; Kurdish; English |
Website | iraqueer.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]
Before founding IraQueer, Ashour had worked with Iraqi human rights organizations as well as international organizations like MADRE and OutRight Action International on documentation and advocating for the rights of LGBT+ individuals, according to a summit speech he gave.[9] During his work as an activist, he met and interviewed Iraqi LGBT+ individuals. This later inspired the formation of IraQueer, he said.[10]
In 2015, IraQueer was launched online on March 3, run by volunteers. Initially, IraQueer published accounts of Iraqi LGBT+ individuals on an online journal as well as educational resources in Arabic, Kurdish and English. These included a legal guide, a sexual health guide and a security guide. A few months after the launch of their website, IraQueer also gave trainings and engaged in international advocacy.[9]
As of December 2020[update], IraQueer runs 3 types of projects: Education, Advocacy and Direct services.
IraQueer produces written and visual resources in Arabic, Kurdish, and English to raise awareness among and about LGBT+ Iraqis. It also gives trainings and workshops to relevant stakeholders to advance the LGBT+ movement.[2] Examples of projects falling under this umbrella include:
IraQueer leads advocacy efforts to realize human rights of LGBT+ citizens. IraQueer aims at achieving this goal through engaging directly with the United Nations and other international platforms, publishing reports and submissions, and holding events.[11] Examples include:
IraQueer has given speeches and has appeared on many media channels and international platforms. Including Iraqi TV Channel Al Sharqiya,[13] Iraq's review session at the Universal Periodic Review in 2020,[14] One Young World Summit,[15] Huffington Post,[16] Build series,[17] and BBC News.[18]
In April 2021, Ashour protested the detention and torture of LGBT people in Iraq, which was carried out by the Asayish organization.[19]
IraQueer offers a number of direct services, including temporary safe-housing,[20] supporting asylum seekers with counselling, and by connecting them to support groups.