30.09.2023 ab: 19:00
Soliparty
In many countries in the Arab/Islamic world, being queer entails a life filled with fear, hiding, and constant running. Same-sex relationships are criminalized, and the culture and religion perpetuate a stigmatized and homophobic environment. Homosexuality is deemed illegal in over 16 countries in the Middle East and North/Sub-Saharan Africa, with some even prescribing the death penalty for such acts.
One such country where homosexuality is banned by law is Morocco ( art 489 , 490 , 491 ..), queer individuals face persecution from both the state and their own families and friends. It has become a daily routine for them to hide from authorities and live in constant fear of being exposed. Public displays of queer identity, such as rainbow symbols or any outward expression of their sexual orientation, can lead to dangerous situations.
The most extreme cases involve LGBTQIA+ individuals who have been arrested and imprisoned solely based on their same-sex relationships. The majority of victims are gay individuals, as societal and religious norms strongly oppose homosexuality. Even within the privacy of their own homes, queer individuals can be interrupted and subjected to harassment if their sexual orientation is suspected.
In response to this dire situation, a support project has emerged in Morocco for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The project aims to collect reports of arrested queer people across different cities in the country. Its primary objective is to provide a safe space, a safe house, where queer individuals can seek refuge and prepare themselves for a journey outside Morocco. The process involves establishing connections and arranging international flights to reach countries where they can seek asylum as LGBTQIA+ refugees.
Financial support plays a vital role in this project. It is essential to cover the rent for the safe house every month, as well as the medical expenses required to address the trauma experienced by the victims. Additionally, funding is needed for flight tickets, food, drinks, transportation, and communication costs, such as phone calls.
While the project has successfully saved numerous gay individuals from Morocco, the waiting list continues to grow with more queer victims desperately seeking visas or flight tickets to safer destinations in the future. As they have received limited assistance from international queer organizations, they have taken on the responsibility themselves. Working in complete secrecy is paramount to evade pursuit by the Moroccan government. Currently, the project communicates with individuals privately to avoid drawing attention.
The group aims to formalize their efforts by establishing an association and potentially creating a website in the future. This platform would allow individuals from around the world to support the cause in various ways. Until then, they continue their work in the shadows, striving to save as many queer individuals as possible and offer them a chance for a life free from persecution and fear.
Greetings.
GAYWAY.
Flyer
