IraQueer

IraQueer (Arabic: عراق کویر, Kurdish: عیڕاق کویر) is a registered Human Rights Non-governmental organization dedicated to the rights of the Iraqi LGBT+ community. It was founded in 2015 by Amir Ashour as the first and only nationwide LGBT+ organization founded and led by LGBT+ Iraqis...[1] The organization focuses on three aspects, Namely: Education, Advocacy, And direct services. In terms of Education, IraQueer written and visual resources in Arabic, Kurdish, and English to raise awareness amongst and about LGBT+ Iraqis.[2] In addition to giving trainings and workshops to relevant stakeholders to advance the LGBT+ movement. IraQueer leads advocacy efforts to realize human rights of LGBT+ citizens. IraQueer aims at achieving this goal through engaging directly with the United Nations Nations and other international platforms, publishing reports and submissions,[3] and holding events. IraQueer offers a range of direct services that respond to urgent needs including safe housing,[4] supporting asylum seekers who are in the process, counseling, and connecting them to support groups.

IraQueer
MottoLeading Iraq's First LGBT+ Movement
Formation2015
FounderAmir Ashour
TypeNon-Governmental Organization
PurposeTo empower Iraqi LGBT+ individuals through raising the awareness level among and about LGBT+ persons in the Iraqi society, to advocate for LGBT+ rights in Iraq, and to provide direct services.
FieldsHuman Rights, LGBT+ Rights
Official language
Arabic; Kurdish; English
Staff
6
WebsiteHttps://www.iraqueer.com

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

History

Before 2015

Before the inception of IraQueer, Amir Ashour, the founder of IraQueer had worked with local Iraqi human rights organizations as well as International organizations like MADRE and OutRight Action International focusing on documentation and advocating for the rights of LGBT+ Individuals.[5] During his work as an Activist, he met an Interviewed Iraqi LGBT+ individuals. This later inspired the Formation of IraQueer. Before the Formation of IraQueer, Amir Ashour spoke at international events about the state of LGBT+ right in Iraq including One Young World[6]

Founding in 2015

In 2015, IraQueer was launched an online platform run by volunteers on March 3, 2015. In its early days, 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 became a Human Rights Organization. A small organization producing knowledge, giving trainings, engaging in international advocacy efforts and giving guidance. In these days, IraQueer's website had a monthly reach of 11,000 people and a weekly reach of 8000 people on social media.[5]

After Founding

Ever since IraQueer became a nonprofit organization, It has been producing visual and written resources, It has been engaging with United Nations International Mechanisms, attending events and conferences, giving trainings and it has been providing direct services in partnership with other organizations.[7] As of December 2020, IraQueer has 6 paid staff members.

Projects

Currently, IraQueer runs 3 groups of projects, Namely: Education, Advocacy and Direct Services.

Education

IraQueer produces written and visual resources in Arabic, Kurdish, and English to raise awareness amongst and about LGBT+ Iraqis. In addition to giving trainings and workshops to relevant stakeholders to advance the LGBT+ movement.[2] Examples of Projects falling under this umbrella include:

  • A security guide for LGBT+ Iraqis to increase their physical and digital safety.
  • A sexual health guide to increase health awareness amongst LGBT+ Iraqis.
  • A legal guide detailing the protective and discriminatory Iraqi laws against LGBT+ citizens.
  • A storybook containing LGBT+ stories from Iraq "Living on the Margins"
  • A biweekly radio shows that talk about different aspects of what it means to be LGBT+ in Iraq. This project is in collaboration with another Iraqi organization.
  • A series of Animated Videos that talk about the different aspects of being an LGBT+ individual in Iraq. All videos are available in Arabic and Kurdish, with English subtitles.
  • Workshops for nonprofits, government officials, companies, and other groups that are interested in human rights of LGBT+ individuals. Trainings are held in Arabic, Kurdish, or English.

Advocacy

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.[7] Examples include:

IraQueer has given speeches and has appeared on many media channels and international platforms. Including Iraqi TV Channel Al Sharqiya,[8] Iraq's review session at the Universal Periodic Review in 2020,[9] One Young World Summit,[10] Huffington post,[11] Build series,[12] BBC[13]

Direct Services

IraQueer offers a number of direct services including temporary safe-housing,[14] supporting asylum seekers who are in the process, counseling, and connecting to support groups.

References
  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. "Reports and Submissions". IraQueer. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  4. Stauss, Bridget (2020-06-18). "TV exposé from Iran targets LGBTQ safe houses in Iraq". Erasing 76 Crimes. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  5. "OutSummit Keynote Speaker Amir Ashour, Founder and Executive Director of IraQueer - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  6. "Holding Iraq to account on LGBT rights | Amir Ashour | One Young World - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  7. "Projects". IraQueer. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  8. "مؤسس منظمة عراق كوير يتحدث مع قناة الشرقية - Amir Ashour speaks to Al Sharqiyah - ENGLISH SUBTITLES - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  9. "بيان عراق كوير خلال جلسة مراجعة العراق للأستعراض الدوري الشامل - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  10. "IraQueer's Amir Ashour Speaking at One Young World Summit 2019 - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  11. "IraQueer's Amir Ashour Speaking at One Young World Summit 2019 - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  12. "One Young World's Kate Robertson Sits Down To Talk With Ben Conard, Shilpa Yarlagdda, Amir Ashour & - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  13. "Amir Ashour - BBC Interview - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  14. "Amplifund: Who are the first international partners for the initiative?". GAY TIMES. 2019-06-13. Retrieved 2020-12-14.

IraQueer (Organization)
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