07/24/2008
CNN Looks at Deteriorating Situation for Gays in Iraq
Stories of rape and torture are recounted by two young Iraqis, who say they would like to leave the country for San Francisco:
"CNN spoke with Kamal, now 18, and his 21-year-old friend, Rami, about what it's like to be gay in Iraq. Coming out as gay is not easy in any country, but to do so in Iraq could mean a death sentence or torture. The two men rarely show feelings toward each other in public. They spend a lot of time in Internet cafes in Baghdad, surfing gay chat rooms and seeking contacts with other gay men in Iraq and elsewhere. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the situation for gays and lesbians in Iraq has deteriorated. Ridiculed under Hussein, many now find themselves the targets of violence, according to humanitarian officials. Lesbians are also victims of harassment and violence, but not nearly as often as gay men....Kamal and Rami say the dangers are all too real in Baghdad -- and they live in secrecy not to shame their families. 'I would rather commit suicide than allow my family to find out I am gay,' Rami said. Kamal said he often pretends to have girlfriends in social settings and tells his friends he's dating girls. 'I am also careful with the way I dress -- not to show them that I am gay, especially my family.' What would his family do if they found out? 'They will force me to give it up, and I cannot do that,' he said. 'The 'normal' people cannot live in Iraq. Imagine how the life is for gays.' Rami added, 'I do not know why people hate gays even though so many have this tendency. But still they hate it.'"
Gays in Iraq terrorized by threats, rape, murder [cnn]
(VIDEO)
Posted 12:30 PM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Rights, Gay Youth, Iraq, News | Permalink
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'I do not know why people hate gays even though so many have this tendency. But still they hate it.'
What they REALLY hate is the fact that they can't shake their own natural tendencies. Self-hatred and fear reek havoc on weak, feeble minds.
Posted by: Chas | Jul 24, 2008 1:41:46 PM
God that's so sad. And given that the US has allowed only a few thousand Iraqis to immigrate here, I don't the odds are too great for these two. Instead their futures will involve loveless marriages, furtive meetings, and possibly premature death.
Posted by: Paul R | Jul 24, 2008 1:45:59 PM
i don't think their situation is any different from, or more harrowing than, the lives of countless closeted homos in our own country, whether in middle america, the deep south, or simply a religious or conservative family.
Posted by: tobethatguy | Jul 24, 2008 1:58:00 PM
It's called self-loathing,chéri. And it happens to the weakest of minds as CHAS said. This situation is exactly the same as the one I grew up in. Minus the animosity. Guys would just approach you and make advances the minute they sense a hint of "sugar" in you. But with bigoted Anglican priests like that idiot Kolini from Rwanda and others, the situation is quickly changing. Sad indeed!!
Posted by: Shabaka | Jul 24, 2008 2:01:46 PM
Tobethatguy,
C'mon. I am not saying everything is peachy keen here and there isn't a tragic amount of hate and violence to be found for gays in the states, but there is no way it's not better to be gay here than in Iraq and surrounded by their "culture." We're talking roving death squads, street executions, rape for ransom, etc. all compounded by an ongoing internal war between native Iraqis and an external force that occupies their land.
Sorry, I hear you, but can't go there after reading this and several other stories.
Posted by: Marco | Jul 24, 2008 2:18:13 PM
Don't worry, it'll all get better soon. Now that we have Iraq all set up for an Iranian takeover, life will be improving for everyone in the country, especially the gays and the women. Oh...or not.
Posted by: paul | Jul 24, 2008 5:47:05 PM
Our country's asylum seeker policy may change with a new administration. There is indeed hope that things may change.
Posted by: David | Jul 24, 2008 11:14:53 PM
it is organized religion that is behind all the persecution of gays and always has been. The religious leaders want power and money from the most number of people therefore those who do not reproduced are of no value to them- only when people breed can they provide the next generation of suckers to support the religion and its prejudices.
Posted by: marvin | Jul 27, 2008 10:43:51 AM