Neda 18 -- Iranian Queer Magazine

“Younger generations in Iran are more open to sexual diversity than older generations.”

An interview conducted by Deustche Welle on LGBT rights in Iran

Translated by Arash

Homosexuals, bisexuals and transsexuals-or in other words, queers are facing various difficulties in Iran. In recent years, as a result of much communication and human rights advocacy, signs of improvement are looming in the distance. Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees, whose headquarters is situated in Canada, is an active humanitarian organization that focuses on the rights of sexual minorities. Arsham Parsi, founder of IRQR, was interviewed by Deutsche Welle, an international German broadcaster, during his visit to Germany prior to his meeting with German officials about the execution of sexual minorities, their many predicaments as well as cultural evolution.

Deutsche Welle: Mr. Parsi, you have told us that you are meeting with some of German senior officials. What are your intentions in arranging this rendezvous?

Arsham Parsi: We are requesting German officials to revisit some reports regarding the situation facing queers, on the basis of which, many member of the European Union have been rejecting and deporting refugees from Iran. Our request is that they conduct a new investigation about the conditions facing queers in Iran and that they rewrite a more accurate representation of their predicament as this could considerably benefit many Iranian refugees around the world who fled the country because of sexual identity.

Deutsche Welle: What was it about the previous report that compelled you to request a re-investigation?

Arsham Parsi: A few years ago, the EU conducted an investigation into the conditions of sexual minorities in Iran. An example was the report written by the Netherlands. The report was based on the witnesses of a sample population of Iranian LGBTs from Tehran’s wealthiest neighborhoods. In response to questions about their situation, they stated that they do not face many issues because, even if arrested, a small bribe of $100 to the police officers could save them. Thus, the Dutch government’s report stated that the problems of queers were quite inconsequential whereas in reality, an actual account of lack of sexual freedom must include a sample population including individuals from cities other than the capital and of different social and financial backgrounds.

We are requesting that they conduct an investigation that is more representative of Iran rather as the sample taken previously only represents a small and exclusive portion of the Iranian population with the financial means to buy their freedom.

Deutsche Welle: It is said that IRQR is starting a campaign against execution of sexual minorities in Iran. Can you tell me more about this campaign?

Arsham Parsi: This campaign is titled 346 No Execution Campaign and will be in full effect in the upcoming few weeks. The reason for the number 346 is that, according to statistics released by Amnesty International, in 2008, 346 people were executed as a result of their sexual identity, which is about a person a day. Such high statistics make Iran the country with the highest number of executions after China.

We are asking citizens from all around the world to send 346 letters of petition to their Foreign Service officers and ambassadors to use their diplomatic power in the United Nations to end capital punishment in Iran because capital punishment is a vile and inhumane punishment for any reason whatsoever and not just sexual identity. Our organization as well as the IRQR will be conducting this campaign. Currently, we have representatives in the UK, Italy, Germany and Canada and others from other countries will be joining us in the upcoming few weeks when the campaign will start.

Deustche Welle: Mr. Parsi, we know that homosexuals face much social, political and other forms of pressure in Iran. Where does most of the pressure come from?

Arsham Parsi: First, I have to clarify that by Degarbashan (queers), we are talking about transsexuals, intersex, gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals. This is a broad term that covers over 17% of the population. In Iran specifically, sexual minorities face societal, political, familial as well as educational pressure. That means in every possible context, the LGBT population faces discrimination in Iran, but personally I believe the greatest amount of pressure comes from the society. It’s true that many get arrested and risk their lives in the name of sexual identity, but the majority doesn’t. However, they do not have the freedom to walk with their partners down the street and hold hands or even talk on the phone in any way that displays affection. Most LGBT individuals risk intense ostracism from their families if ever outed.

Homosexuality in Iran is societal taboo, and the reason is just a basic lack of awareness. People don’t understand what homosexuality, bisexuality and transexuality are and their best defense mechanism is denial. I am happy that currently the younger generations are more informed as they have the benefit of the internet to learn more about news all around the world. It is exciting to know that, now, we have to target a much smaller demographic, which includes the older generations who have a hard time accepting homosexuality and the improvements in information technology has made it easier to access even the older generations.

We have a lot of evidence that mothers, fathers and grandparents are becoming more accepting especially in the current crises, which have incited in people a need for freedom, unity and peace. Right now, it doesn’t matter the person standing next to you in a demonstration is Christian, Jewish, Baha’i, homosexual or whatnot; the only thing that matters is that the person is an Iranian citizen.

Deustche Welle: Some assert that the problem in Iran stems from an inherent cultural bias, which inevitably influences the law and that, only after a cultural evolution can people grow more accepting. How would you respond to such assertions?

Arsham Parsi: It is naïve to simply sit and wait for culture to take its course. That means, unless you actually try to make a change, it is not going to appear from thin air. There is a relevant Persian proverb that says, “Rights aren’t given; they are taken.” Some might disagree, but we have to stand firm and effectively change culture. Yes, it is true that culture molds politics, and the lack of acceptance is rooted in Persian culture. But when exactly do people become more accepting? When they are given accurate information. Whenever LGBT wins presences in the legal system, seminars, conferences, news media, etc, the society gradually evolves. Ever since I have been involved in LGBT rights advocacy, I have seen much change come about including my own family’s growing to accept my sexual identity as well as my friends’. I receive many emails daily from parents of LGBT individuals about their much changed perspective on LGBT rights. These changes do not come about by divine intervention. We see changes occurring, day by day, step by step and this is what makes us look forward to a better future.

Deustche Welle: Some say that Iran is facing much greater difficulties that took precedence over LGBT rights. How would you respond to that?

Arsham Parsi: I remember that at first, the best reaction I got was that the issue is important but now is not the time to discuss it. Then, when is? We hesitated for generations to ever discuss LGBT rights and if we wait, no change is going to come about. If anything, we have to compensate for the fact that we did not take action in the past and we should put in our best efforts to save the younger generations to come.

Deustche Welle: In many cases, the government overlooks, ignores or attacks the LGBT population. For instance, LGBT groups in recent demonstrations were called derogatory terms by the news media. Why do you think that is?

Arsham Parsi: Well, this is nothing new. For instance, Mr. Ahmadinejad made an allegation in his speech at Columbia University in New York that “we do not have homosexuals in Iran”, which was followed by demonstrations. The government used this as an opportunity to call them “filthy rioters”, “Imperialists” and many other pejorative terms. Even though this has never had any effect on people’s perception of the rioters, such incorrect strategies have continued.

I really do believe that it is wrong that the government uses the riots as an opportunity to label the LGBT population and accuse them of vandalism, treason, etc. Such belittling has been ineffective. Similarly, I do not believe that broadcasters in opposition should present such subjective, biased accounts of reality and bend the facts to their needs and liking.

We are, most importantly, citizens of a country and our basic rights come before our sexuality and sexual identity. Women must have the same rights as everyone else and so do sexual minorities. They are people before being women and homosexuals and they deserve the same treatment as all other citizens.

Deustche Welle: Let’s say, hypothetically, a leader chooses to acknowledge sexual minorities and their predicament but states that now is not the time to try to take legal and political action. How would you react to such a statement?

Arsham Parsi: This is difficult to answer this question. On one hand, the sheer acknowledgment of sexual minorities and their wrongful prosecution is quite an achievement for the people of Iran, so I would be very happy and hope that this leader would redirect the demonstrations in a healthy direction so that there is a more hospitable and inviting environment to expose the difficulties sexual minorities face. We would be willing to cooperate until capital punishment is removed from the law, the law is actually enforced and that there is no discrimination whatsoever between people of different sexual identities. And it is important that officials talk the talk and walk the walk. It’s important to see actual results and that is what we are looking forward to. We have waited for so long and we are willing to be cooperative until everybody is treated equally and that the rights of the people are enforced.

Neda, Iranian Queer Magazine - info@nedamagazine.net	سال دوم \| شماره ی هجدهم \| می 2010 \| شناسنامه و تماس \| آرشیو ن د ا