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The Situation of Iranian Queer Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Turkey (October 19, 11)

A rapid increase of number of Iranian queer asylum-seekers and refugees continues as the political situation in Iran affects more people. The hope of hundreds of Iranian queers who leave their country is to live freely and not have any problems because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Instead, they have endless legal problems in Iran as well as being subject to discrimination, intolerance and hate crime and discomfort. They feel that they are like unwanted guests – and that feeling paves the way for a deeper humanitarian crisis.

The Yale Globalist: An Underground Escape (October 5, 11)

Just the other day, a boy ran past here, yelling, ‘top, top’ (‘faggot, faggot’) at me. It would have been slightly better if it had been a father doing the yelling, but a little boy?” asked Iranian refugee Ardeshir. Arsham Parsi, founder and executive director of the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees, translated Ardeshir’s words from Farsi into English as he pointed to an empty parking lot that served as a marketplace during the week. Ardeshir’s face, normally marked by a convivial smile, had turned grim. The confidence he had exuded throughout the day, complemented by his Adonis-like physique, tight blue shirt, fitted pants, and diamond earring, suddenly disappeared. The 22-year-old gay man from Iran had suffered much worse during his life, but every day was a reminder that he still could not live his life openly.

Call for Action - Cyprus Leaves Mandana in Limbo (May 30, 2011)

Mandana is an Iranian lesbian who fled Iran to Cyprus in June 2008 and has sought asylum on the basis of her sexual orientation. Just take a few minutes to send a couple of emails to Cypriot officials and decision makers. We provide you a sample letter (Section D) that you can copy and use. However, please feel free to write your own letter. Names, email addresses and phone numbers are provided below for your convenience.

Give the Gift of Joy - Nowrooz 1380

Iranian New Year (Nowrooz) will be celebrated on Farvardin 1st, 1390 at 2:50:45 AM in Iran or March 20th, 2011 at 7:20:45 PM (EST) by Gregorian calendar. As Nowrooz arrives Iranians around the world will celebrate with their families and loved ones by gathering around the “Haft Seen” table to start the New Year together with feasting and celebration. Unless of course, you happen to be queer, queer Iranians, commonly ostracized by their families live in fear and persecution or the lonely alternative of exile and isolation. The IRQR has seen firsthand the effects of poverty and language barriers on our refugees. But even more challenging is overcoming the feeling of “strangeness” that overwhelms while adjusting to a new life in a new country. They are free, but only at the cost of everything familiar and safe. Never is this a heavier burden than during the holidays.

The Cost of Freedom (February 15, 11)

The plight of the LGBTQ refugee can be found in a small section of a queer magazine. It's tucked nicely away in the later pages of your daily newspaper, or explored as part of that occasional TV news broadcast, or spun like an urban legend by a friend in the queer community. Unbeknownst to many, Canada is the first country to assist in resettlement based on sexual orientation and gender identity (more on Canada’s laws in the next issue of Outlooks). That's a milestone for our immigration system and its limitations of about 12, 500 refugees per year, but to our on-the-ground community support workers, it's a drop in the bucket for a rescue mission we have yet to fully realize

An Iranian Lesbian Granted Protected Person Status in Canada (July 13, 10)

We are writing about Mina, an Iranian lesbian, who has been recently granted protected person status in Canada. She was born in Iran and moved to Europe at a very young age. She was the object of continuous harassment and discrimination due to her ethnicity. She was verbally, emotionally, and physically harassed by authority figures and the general population there. 

Where Bill Posters Are Raped (July 6, 10)

AMONG the many harrowing tales from Iranian refugees, few can match Farrokh's account of how he was raped by the Basij for sticking posters on a wall. Sitting in his flat in the southern city of Kayseri, the 27-year-old, who is gay, told his story yesterday, growing agitated and chain-smoking while he did so.  

Save Kiana Firouz's life by stopping her deport from the UK (April 21, 10)

Kiana Firouz, an Iranian Lesbian, born in 1983 in Tehran-Iran, supported and advocated for the homosexual movement in Iran without considering the dangers that accompanied such a cause. To create awareness she took to making a documentary that showcased the lives of homosexuals in Iran. Unfortunately, some of the documentaries footage fell into the hands of the Iranian Intelligence Services who in turn placed her under surveillance. Unsure of her security in Iran, Firouz managed to leave the country for the UK where she would be able to continue her work and also study.  

Mahtab's Open Letter to the UNHCR. (April 21, 10)

Dear UNHCR Authorities , My name is Seyedeh Mahtab Mirghaderi. I left Iran 3 years ago because of the conditions which risked my life. When I came to Turkey I applied to the UNHCR in Ankara, with the request of to be recognized as a refugee. I am a transsexual and everybody knows how the transsexuals are treated in Iran. I was born in a

نامه ی سرگشاده ی مهتاب به کمیسریای عالی پناهندگان سازمان ملل (21 ایپریل 2010)

اینجانب مهتاب میرقادری سه سال پیش به دلیل شرایط بسیار سختی که جانم را به طور جدی در خطر قرار داده بود ایران راترک کرده و به کمیساریای عالی پناهندگان واقع در ترکیه در شهر انکارا در خواست پناهندگی ارائه نمودم. من یک ترنسجندر هستم. امروز بر کسی پوشیده نیست و همه در اقصا نقاط جهان از وضعیت سخت  اقلیتهای جنسی در ایران مطلع هستند تا جایی ...

Call for Action – Support Mahtab and Saleh by Sending an Email (April 8, 10)

We are contacting you to request your assistance on a very urgent case involving Mahtab, an Iranian transsexual, and her husband, Saleh. Please show your support by writing to the UNHCR to urge them to reconsider their case and grant them international protection because their life is depending upon to the UNHCR’s decision.  There are 2 ways you can help:

با ارسال یک ایمیل به مهتاب و صالح کمک کنید (8 ایپریل 2010)

ما با شما تماس گرفته ایم که درخواست کنیم مهتاب، دگرجنس شده ی ایرانی و همسرش صالح را با ارسال یک ایمیل حمایت کنید. لطفا برای نشان دادن حمایت خود برای دفتر کمیسریای عالی پناهدگان سازمان ملل نامه بفرستید و از آنها بخواهید که پرونده ی مهتاب و صالح را بازنگری کرده و آنها را مشمول حمایت های بین المللی قرار دهند. دو راه برای حمایت از آنها وجود دارد:...

Mahtab, an Iranian Transsexual, is at Risk of Deportation (April 7, 10)

Mahtab Mirghaderi is a male to female transsexual and she left Iran for Turkey with her boyfriend, Saleh Shahsavar, in June 2007 due to social problems and fear of threat for his boyfriend’s family safety. Unfortunately after waiting a long time for their asylum,

مهتاب، دگرجنس شده ی ایرانی، در خطر بازپس فرستاده شدن قرار دارد (7 ایپریل 2010)

مهتاب میرقادری یک دگرجنس شده ی مرد به زن است که به همراه دوست پسرش صالح شهسوار، به دلیل مشکلات اجتماعی و تهدید های خانوادگی، ایران را به سمت ترکیه در جون 2007 ترک کردند. متاسفانه پس از انتظاری بسیار طولانی، آنها نامه ای از دفتر کمیسریای عالی پناهندگان سازمان ملل در ترکیه دریافت کردند مبنی بر اینکه...

Kiana Firouz - On Film, the trials of an Iranian lesbian activist (April 6, 10)

In a new feature film, “Cul De Sac,” London-based Iranian directors Ramin Goudarzi-Nejad and Mahshad Torkan tell the story of a lesbian woman who flees Iran’s repressive Islamic regime. The script draws on the real-life experiences of Kiana Firouz, who plays herself in the film. Hossein Ghavimi, a correspondent for RFE/RL’s Radio Farda, asked Goudarzi-Nejad and Firouz about their motivation in making the film.

وقتی حتی آغوش‌های ساده‌ی ما هم تفسیر می‌شوند (3 ایپریل 2010)

کیانا فیروز، دختر جوان ۲۶ ساله‌ای است که در انگلستان زندگی می کند، او فعال حقوق همجنس‌گرایان و در عین حال نویسنده، فیلم‌ساز و بازیگر نیز هست. به بهانه‌ی فیلم بن‌بست به سراغ کیانا رفتیم.

Naser rejected asylum by Finnish Government (February 3, 09)

Naser fled Iran because he feared for his life.  As an Iranian queer, Naser was left no choice but to leave his family and whole life behind. In Iran, he was obligated to marry, but when he did, his ex-wife found out about his past relationship with another man. After finding out his sexual orientation, Naser was reported to the authorities and was tried for his sexual orientation.

Norway Threatens to Deport Asghar   to Iran (January 24, 10)

Asghar  is in an unjust situation and needs your urgent action.  Please show your support by writing to the Norwegian government to urge them to grant refugee status to Asghar . You may copy and paste the sample letters (below) into an email and send it to the provide emails below or you may write your own letter in support of Asghar .

Gay Iranian wins asylum in Spain (January 8, 10)

The days when TV images gave the bodies of those dead gay guys swinging the rope, Ali covered her face with her pillow. Ali was a living dead man, 36 years and all the tickets to the gallows since that morning he looked into the eyes of a man and left him in the mirror, like a curse, who he was: a homosexual in Iran.

همجنس گرای ایرانی در اسپانیا پناهندگی گرفت (8 ژانویه 2010)

روزی که تصویر تاب خوردن دو همجنس گرا بر سر دار از تلویزیون ایران منعکس شد، علی صورتش را در بالش پنهان کرد. او به یک مرده ی متحرک تبدیل شده بود. مرد 36 ساله ای که چوبه ی دار در انتظارش بود  را در آینه جای گذاشت. او که بود؟ یک همجنس گرا در ایران!

He Just Needs Freedom – Adison is in Detention Centre and Needs Support (December 3, 09)

“Can you at least tell us what's going on? Why are you taking my son's belongings? What has he done?” These are a mother's saying whose son had left home on September 25th, whom she has never seen again after this date. She called her son and explained everything to him; she asked him not to come home until they could find a way out of there for him.

Mehdi N. Is Granted Official Status as a Refugee in Germany (September  17, 09)

Mehdi N., a 30-year-old gay Iranian,  left his country for Germany in 2007 because of his well-founded fear of persecution due to his sexual orientation. I cannot believe it. Somebody must kidding me! I cannot believe that my limbo situation is over now, and that I have the right to live in Germany as a human being,”

Ali Forced to Leave Switzerland for Spain (August 18, 09)

Yesterday Ali informed us that Switzerland authority asked him to leave there for Spain because in 2005 he has been arrested there and Spain government has his finger print and file. Due to Dublin agreement he has to go to Spain and follow his case there.

علی باید سوئیس را به مقصد اسپانیا ترک کند (18 آگوست 2009)

Un réfugié gay iranien en difficulté en Suisse (jeudi 13 août 2009)

Comme je l'ai déjà fait par le passé, je relaie ici un appel de l'Iranian Queer Railroad (anciennement Iranian Queer Organization), qui porte secours aux personnes LGBT qui fuient les persécutions en Iran. Ce qui suit est la traduction du dernier message de l'IRQR reçu ce jeudi 13 août 2009. Si d'aventure vous souhaitez y répondre ou faire suivre... 

Help an Iranian Gay Asylum Seeker in Switzerland (August 12, 09)

Earlier today, we received a message from Switzerland asking us to call the number of a public phone booth in order to talk with an Iranian refugee who does not have any money and needs our support. His name is Ali and he’s a 33 year-old man from Qom, the central city of Islamic clergies in Iran.  

Everyone Group Supports Iranian Queer Refugees (June 12,09)

EveryOne Group, IRQR and a network of human rights organizations are asking the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Turkish Government for international protection and asylum for Roodabeh and Ali, two Iranian homosexuals.

Call to Action: Two Iranian Queer Asylum Seekers Need Your Support (June 8, 2009)

We are contacting you again to request your assistance on a very urgent case involving two Iranian queer asylum seekers: Roodabeh and Ali. Please show your support by writing to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and urge them to expedite the refugee process for Roodabeh and Ali. There are two ways you can help:

After 20 Years Hassan Recognized as Refugee in USA (June 1st, 09)

Hassan is 42 year-old Iranian gay who left Iran for United State of America when he was 22, on base of his sexual orientation and well-known fear of persecution. Hassan was released per the immigration judge's order to grant his motion to reopen his asylum case. Hassan was ordered released on Friday December 21, 2007

Call for Support Iranian Queer Refugees in United States (April 6, 09)

As you might have known, the IRanian Queer Railroad is working on Iranian queer asylum seekers very close and our railroad is ending mostly to Canada, United States and Australia.  

Update on Mehdi N. situation in Germany (April 5, 09)

On April 1st, Office of Michael Cashman MEP, Secretariat of the Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights of the European Parliament informed us that the Minister of Justice in Germany Ms.Zypries is involved

Mehdi N. and Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights of the European Parliament (March 19, 09)

"Members of the European Parliament ask Germany to properly apply EU legislation for a gay asylum seeker from Iran."  

Germany threatens to deport Mehdi N. to Iran—Urgent need for action (March 10, 2009)

“In Iran, one of my biggest challenges was having to deny my sexual orientation. Now, in Germany, the hardest challenge is to prove it,” Mehdi N. said. After his trial, Mehdi N. received a letter from the court, which said that his refugee status was not granted. He must now leave Germany.

Hon. Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. and UNHCR in Ankara (February 19, 09)

I am taking this opportunity to write on behalf of the Hon. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre regarding an application submitted by the UNHCR in Ankara on behalf of the five men listed above. She had recently met with members of a refugee support group for Gay Iranians who

Pegah, An Iranian Lesbian, Granted Refugee Status in UK! (February 11, 09)

We have just informed that Pegah Emambakhsh, an Iranian lesbian, has finally been granted refugee status in the UK after almost four years.  This is fantastic news and a great reward for all the hard work you all Iranian queer supporters put in to ensure she was not sent back to Iran.

An Iranian gay couple left India to Canada (February 11, 09)

We would like to announce Ali and Mohammad left India to Canada today. In July 17, 08 we call to action for Ali and Mohammad, an Iranian gay couple asylum seeker in India who needs urgent support by Canadian Embassy there.   

Gays who face persecution should be given asylum says EU (February 10, 09)

The European Commission has affirmed that persecution on grounds of sexual orientation is a legitimate justification for an asylum claim. The question was prompted by an initial rejection in Cyprus of a claim by a gay Iranian asylum seeker, a rejection which was later overturned and the claim granted.

Good News from Malaysia (January 24, 2009)

We have just been informed that United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kuala Lumpur has finalized Ali’s case and officially recognized him as a refugee. In December 22, 08 we call to action for Ali

Reza in Greece Needs Urgent Help (December 29, 08)

Reza worked for the Iranian government.  He was called into the central office and shown a package sent to him by a friend from another country.  The officials opened his mail without his consent or knowledge.   

Christmas Gift for An Iranian Queer Asylum Seeker in London (December 25, 08)

Ali came to see me in November for a few days and stayed with me, a very short break, away from what is a very bad life and existence, and while he was here he was prone to spells of deep depression and would withdraw.  I realized that this was something that he needed to work out for himself but also he needed to have someone nearby who...  

Call to Action for an Iranian Gay Asylum in Malaysia (December, 22, 08)

I fled Iran to Malaysia after I experienced many problems in Iran. In Malaysia I sought help from the UNHCR – I never thought that I would have to wait so long to have my rights recognized. I was not even allowed to enter the building the first time I went there

Holia in the USA Needs Help (December 8, 08)

Holia is now living in Portland, Oregon but she is not yet secure. She still faces many problems. Holia doesn't receive ANY financial assistance from the government and she is forced to live in horrible conditions. Despite this adversity, Holia has the necessary legal documents such as

A Glance at Iranian Queer Asylum Seeker's life in England (December 2, 08)

At 2 am on Saturday 15^th November, Saeed attempted suicide by swallowing many pills. He was taken to the emergency room at the hospital. He was in critical condition and in a coma. Due to his comatose state the doctor did not wash out his... 

Executive Director's Trip to Turkey - October and November 2008

I went to Turkey on October 28, 2008 to work on individual refugee cases for the IRanian Queer Railroad. I traveled to Kayseri, Nigde, Isparta and Koniya to meet Iranian queer asylum seekers. I spent hours listening to their stories about

سفر مدیر سازمان دگرباشان ایرانی به ترکیه

در بیست و هشتم اکتبر برای بررسی وضعیت پناهجویان دگرباش ایرانی به ترکیه رفتم. در این سفر به شهرهای کایسری، نیده، اسپارتا و کونیا نیز رفتم تا پناهجویان ساکن آن شهرها را نیز ملاقات کنم. ساعت ها...

Cyprus grants resident status to gay Iranian asylum seeker (November 26, 08)

MEPs have welcomed the decision of Cyprus interior minister to grant resident status to a gay Iranian asylum seeker. Labour's Michael Cashman, Lib Dem Baroness Ludford, Tory John Bowis and Greens Jean Lambert and Caroline Lucas were among 13 MEPs who put their name to a parliamentary question to the European Commission on the issue.  

Iranian homosexual threatened with deportation to Iran – Urgent need for action (November 4, 08)

Mr Abbas Bagherian Noveiri, citizen of Iran, came to Cyprus and applied for asylum in June 2004 and for the last three years he has been living with his Cypriot partner. Mr Bagherian had an initial interview at the Asylum Service in July 2005. At the interview, He was not able to reveal that the genuine cause of his persecution in Iran was  

Gay Refugee Will Be Deported From Greek Cypriot (November 02, 08)

We just received an urgent email from one of our alliances regarding to deportation of an Iranian queer asylum seeker from Cyprus to Iran. We call an "Urgent Action" to support him and stop his deportation by sending letters to Member of  Parliament, European Member of Parliament or directly to Government of Cyprus. 

What is going on with Alireza since he came to the UK? (October 20, 2008)

Since Alireza's father found out he is gay (it happened when Alireza was still a teenager) they couldn't have a good relationship. Alireza's father is a very strict Muslim, and kept blaming Alireza's mother for the fact he is gay and blaming Alireza for been a reason 'of shame' for the family. Alireza never felt comfortable with his condition in Iran, and because of that, he tried to commit suicide more than once 

An Iranian Lesbian needs urgent help in Sweden (October 7, 2008)

Shar is 18 years-old Iranian lesbian who escaped Iran to Sweden in January 2008 on base of her sexual orientation. She arrested several times in Iran and now she lives in Stockholm, but she still has many troubles. Being young, women, and homosexual in Iran is hard and now she became asylum seeker too  

18 years-old gay man in the UK (October 7, 2008)

Ahmad is 18 years-old gay who is in the UK now. He needs help. We got his story from one of his close friends. If you can help him in anyway please let us know. Ahmad is a homosexual whom traveled to UK in 2007 as a tourist with his family. He was 17 at the time and his family claimed asylum due to the problems that they had in Iran.  

From Iran to England, but from England to where? (September 22, 08)

My first contact with Alireza J., a young Iranian guy, was in July this year. I was planning to write an article about the situation of the asylum seekers from Iran in the UK who fled their country because of the threat they suffer from the regime due to their sexuality. In all occasions he sounded really sad, deeply depressed and hopeless about

از ایران به انگلستان از انگلستان به کجا؟

اولین برخورد من با علیرضا ج، یک جوان ایرانی هم جنس گرا، خرداد امسال بود. می خواستم مقاله ای در بارۀ موقعیت پناهندگان ایرانی که به خاطر تهدیدهایی که در ایران می شوند به انگلستان می آیند بنویسم.  قبل از ملاقات با علیرضا، ما با یکدیگر بارها تلفنی صحبت کرده بودیم. در تمام این گفتگو ها صدایش همیشه

A Report from US to YOU about Something Important (September 19, 2008)

It was such a difficult time...

All the brains were fully occupied. Financial problems, being insulted all around or not even feeling safe to go out... But no one was complaining. Wishing for a day to forget about the past and start a new life in a free country. They were all surrounded by

گزارشی از ما برای شما در رابطه با مسئله ای مهم

شرایط به شدت دشوار بود. مشکلات زیادی ذهن بچه ها را به خودش معطوف کرده، عدم امنیت مالی، تحمل بی احترامی و ضرب و شتم و خیلی مسائل دیگر ... اما بچه ها به خاطر هدفی که دارند و برای رهاشدن از قفسی که تمام سالهای عمرشان  درون آن  اسارت گونه گذشت، تمام این مصائب را تحمل می کنند.

Setback for Reza in Turkey (July 24, 08)

We informed you last week of the happy news that Kamal was officially recognized as a refugee by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).  Unfortunately, we cannot offer you news of the same nature with respect to his partner, Reza. On July 22, 2008, UNHCR rejected Reza’s case  

Call for Action: An Iranian gay couple in India need your support (July 17,08)

Ali and Mohammad, a gay Iranian couple, fled to India.  Although they have each been officially recognized as refugees by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Canadian Embassy in New Delhi has still not acted to facilitate their resettlement in Canada. It has been one whole year since the Canadian Embassy began processing their cases! 

Good News from UNHCR about Kamal and Reza (July 16, 08)

We have just been informed by Paulo Casaca of the European Parliament that United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has finalized Kamal’s case and officially recognized him as a refugee. Additionally, we are told, Reza’s application for refugee status is due for final approval and should be concluded within the next few days. Below is Paulo’s letter to IRQO:  

Call to Action for two gay Iranian refugees in Turkey (July, 14, 08)

It is no secret that queer Iranians who flee to Turkey and other countries continue to face risks due to homophobia.  This often results in depression and post traumatic stress symptoms.  Reza and Kamal, a gay Iranian couple, fled Iran 2 whole years ago, but have still not received refugee status.  The common complications that queer refugees experience are escalated for them because Kamal is seriously ill.  Immediate attention by UNHCR is critical!  

Mehdi Kazemi Granted UK Asylum (June 1st, 08)

I found out on Monday 19^th of May 2008 that the government had granted me refugee status for the next five years.  I am so happy about this and I just want to say thank you to all the people of Britain, The Netherlands, Italy and across Europe, Canada, America and the world, who have shown their concern for me, who have given me the support that I really needed and who have worked very hard to help me through difficult times and to get me to where I am now. 

G.H.C.: Greece grants asylum to Gay Iranian refuge (March 31, 08)

The Greek Homosexual Community (GHC-EOK) is happy to announce that the gay Iranian refugee, known as “Alex”, was finally granted asylum following the reconsideration of his case...

Mehdi Kazemi is Safe. (Mar 14, 08)

After the historical approval of the European Resolution on the case of Seyed Mehdi Kazemi (see below) the British Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, decided a few hours ago to suspend the procedure that would entail deportation to Iran for Mehdi Kazemi, the young Iranian gay...

G.H.C.: Greek authorities will re-consider the case of the gay Iranian immigrant who is seeking for asylum (Mar 11, 08)

The Greek Homosexual Community (GHC-EOK) expresses its content over the answer given by the Deputy Minister for Interior Me Chenofotis (3-3-08) to the letter of the SYRIZA representative to Eur. Parliament, Mr Papademoulis, on the issue of the gay Iranian immigrant, known as “Alex”, after the involvement of Commissioner Franco Frattini...

Europe Must Stop Deportation of Iranian Queers (Feb 25, 08)

Time after time we have read the statements of European governments against the Islamic Republic of Iran: “The Republic does not respect human rights” and yet these European powers deport Medi to the very government they criticize for violating gay rights.

Just to update you with Mehdi's situation (Feb 24, 08)

Mehdi has been arrested by the Holland police on the 12th of February 2008 and stayed in Venlo Holland Police station for two/three days, then they transferred him to Rotterdam Airport Detention Centre and he has been there ever since.

Iranian Gay Refugee Risks Deportation From The UK, Urgent Appeal to Europe (Feb 24, 08)

The flight that will take young Mehdi Kazemi from Amsterdom to London, from where he will deported to Iran, is booked for Tuesday February 26th, 08.  

Appeal for an Iranian homosexual refugee seeking asylum in Malaysia (Feb 19, 08)

I am staying in a small town 45 kilometres from the capital city with no money to eat, and living accommodations that leave me vulnerable to millions of insects that suck my blood every night. I do not know what to do...

Update on Hassan in USA (January 14, 08)

Hassan was released per the immigration judge's order to grant our motion to reopen his asylum case. The judges' order was signed on ...

خبرهای تکمیلی درباره ی حسن در امریکا

حسن به دستور قاضی اداره ی مهاجرت از بازداشتگاه آزاد شد تا بتواند پرونده ی خود را بازگشایی کند. قاضی اداره ی مهاجرت حکم آزادی حسن را در...

Stop the Removal of "Hassan" from the United States to Iran (November 23, 2007)

IRQO has received an urgent letter regarding an Iranian asylum seeker in the United State and we are asking you to support his case: "...we are seeking to have stop the removal of our client from the United States to Iran and unfortunately he is currently detained pending departure plans. Unfortunately he has never had an... " Sign the Petition

Iranian Queer Refugee in Turkey and Homophobia (December 31, 07)

(Warning, the file contains disrubing pictures)

Press Release from Greek Homosexual Community - G.H.C. - E.O.K.  (October 29, 07)

We are writing to draw your attention to the case of a 40-year-old gay Iranian man, identified here as Alex, who is about to be expelled from Greece and deported back to Iran. As is well known and documented...  

Pegah released from UK detention (September 11, 07)

We have some good news at last!  Pegah was granted bail this morning, is now out of Yarls Wood Detention Centre and back with  people who will love and care for her...

Interview with Kamran & kaveh; Iranian gay couple (September 06, 07)

...cannot work, cannot have fun, and cannot go out. You cannot go out with your partner because everybody will look at you as if you are abnormal. The way we are looked at is a source of torment for us. Even though physically we are not any different from them they discriminate against us. This makes our lives extremely difficult...

The case of Pegah Emambakhsh and the new frontiers of Human Rights (August 30, 07)

The widespread international campaign to save Pegah Emambakhsh’s life, which has involved governmental institutions, human rights organizations, GLBT activist groups, intellectuals, experts in international law and millions of people who have come to love Pegah, has succeeded in achieving a positive outcome...

The Embassy Meets with Group Everyone (August 24, 07)

British Embassy in Rome is known to have contacted Group Everyone in order to arrange a... 

Italy asks Britain not to deport Iranian lesbian (August 24, 2007)

The British government was today under mounting pressure from Italy not to expel an Iranian lesbian who, campaigners say, faces death by stoning if forced to return to her own country. 

Update on Pegah Emambakhsh (August 24, 07)

Pegah now has some excellent legal representation.  She has a very able solicitor and her barrister comes from the chambers of one of  the leading human rights and civil liberties advocates in the UK 

Urgent Action - Pegah at Risk of Deportation from England (August 21, 07)

Please pay an especial attention to the warning fact that we really do not have much time left; we are running out of time. Pegah Should Not be deported to Iran. In this very short time that we yet have left  

پگاه نباید به ایران برگردانده شود (21 آگوست 2007)

فرصت زیادی نداریم. پگاه نباید به ایران برگردانده شود. در این فرصت کم شاید تجمع در جلو سفارت های انگلستان و ارسال نامه و فاکس به آنها کمک موثری برای وی باشد. از دولت های خود بخواهید که از حق حیات  پگاه و دیگر پناهجویان ایرانی دفاع کنند...

An appeal to the United Kingdom Government and all (the) democratic institutions (August 19, 07)

Pegah Emambakhsh (40) is a lesbian Iranian woman. She risks of beeing sentenced to death by the judges of the Islamic Republic of Iran because of her homosexuality  

درخواست از دولت انگلستان و تمام سازمان های دموکراتیک

پگاه امام بخش (چهل ساله) یک لزبین ایرانی است. او به دلیل همجنسگرایی اش در خطر اعدام توسط جمهوری اسلامی ایران است. او در شفیلد انگلستان درخواست پناهندگی کرده بود...

Urgent!  Iranian lesbian about to be deported from UK and faces death by stoning (August 15, 07)

Pegah Emambakhsh is an Iranian national who sought asylum in the UK in 2005.   Her claim failed despite appeals and she was arrested in Sheffield on Monday 13^th August and is being taken to Yarlswood detention centre from where she will be deported tomorrow,  

Hamid Has Been Released (July 29, 07)

Hamid has been released from the detention room on July 28, 2007; he could apply for his refugee status once more. IRQO has been following up Hamid’s case and will be trying it’s best to see France grants him refugee statutes.

Hamid at Risk of Deportation from France (July 24, 07)

Hamid is a 21 years-old homosexual man from Iran. He fled country because of his sexual orientation and has been staying in France for about one and half year now. He was arrested by the police a few days ago in Paris and since that day, 18 July 2007, he has been kept in a detention room

Babak Fled Iran Again (May 2, 07)

Babak, the Iranian Gay Blogger, who was deported to Iran from Turkey, managed to go back to Turkey after he was released on bail. He reported to UN and stayed in Turkey as an asylum seeker

Interview with an Iranian Lesbian in order to convey her Protest to the World

As of this day we will walk in the path of freedom, hand in hand, with linked arms, firm steps and heads held high. We will break the chains that bind us – chains of captivity, chains of fear. With solidarity, strength, and pride we shall stand up for life in freedom. The time of censorship, oppression and isolation has come to an end.

Interview with Two Iranian Gay

A gay man has no life in Iran at all to be explained. Life is meaningless for him and he receives no acceptance for himself and his lifestyle. He has lots of problems involving his family, his society, the government, etc. I have a master’s degree, but I was not accepted even as a secretary in Iran as I was different from others.

Interview with an Iranian Lesbian Couple

A lesbian in Iran has a different reality. Many are forced to live with a lie, or forced to marry. When they give in to this marriage, they put themselves in a position where they will be in a way violated, and by lying to themselves, their husband and even their children, they commit the greatest sin

Interview with an Iranian transgender

I have a lot of problems. The day I got here, the Turkish police told me that I should not leave this place frequently because if people realize my problem they will beat me. Initially, I listened to their advice and did not go out. I did not have a job. I did not have a home.

Gay Iranian Speaks of Escape from the Basij, Fear of Being Returned to Iran

Help an Iranian Gay in Pakistan

Gay Blogger Deported Back to Iran (April 17, 07)

Don’t leave Iranian queers abandon! - Statement of Seyed Mehdi Kazemi

Iranian Gay Asylum Seekers and Home Office in the UK

Gay asylum seeker can stay despite lying - An Iranian gay refugee in New Zealand

An Iranian gay who had fled the police need your help

Belgium and France grants again refugee status to gay man from Iran

پناهجويان ايراني در فرانسه و بلژيک قبول شدند

Mehdi an Iranian Gay speaks out

We Won’t Let the Tragedy of Mashad Repeat Itself

The horrible story of Sam, an Iranian Gay

 اتریش مجددا به یک مرد همجنسگرای ایرانی پناهدگی اعطا کرد

امير پناهجوي همجنسگراي ايراني پناهنده شد

سامی که شلاق خورد