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Iraq
The university period in Iraq is fraught with challenges for LGBT individuals as they navigate the treacherous waters of maintaining their identity and privacy. These individuals often find themselves concealing their sexual orientation or gender identity in an attempt to blend in. Despite their efforts, they are confronted with discrimination that can escalate to segregation. Iraqi universities view an individual’s affiliation with the LGBT community as a hindrance, primarily because their self-expression deviates from the conventional gender stereotypes. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
A report from the parliamentary committee of the Iraqi parliament highlights the declining state of education in the country. This decline is evident in the fact that not a single Iraqi university has made it to the list of the top 40 universities in the Arab region, according to the QS World University Rankings for the year 2024.
Most Iraqi universities are characterized by the presence of security teams, commonly referred to as “security,” which enforce a military-like approach on campus. When two individuals are spotted walking together within the university grounds, they are required to present personal documents and information and undergo thorough investigation. The widespread presence of these teams in Iraqi universities is perceived as a manifestation of military extremism in society, aiming to transform educational spaces into zones of strict discipline akin to military barracks.
Hussein shares his experience: “My friend Ayoub was constantly harassed by university security. They sometimes went beyond mere questioning, pulling him aside to ridicule him, simply because he spoke in a calm tone of voice. Moreover, Ayoub, having no other friends, subjected to bullying by everyone.” Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Iyad recalls a distressing incident that occurred a year ago at his university: “I was joking with a friend, and he kissed me. Although it was clear that the kiss was meant as a joke and there was no romantic relationship between us, university security intervened abruptly. They took us for an investigation at the university dean’s headquarters, threatening to disclose to our families that we are gay. We pleaded with them not to publicize the matter, fearing for our lives. Despite our pleas, they decided to expel us from the university. Fortunately, thanks to the intervention and mediation of many, since the incident did not warrant such a severe penalty, the decision was reduced to a suspension for a full academic year.”
I was joking with a friend, and he kissed me. Although it was clear that the kiss was meant as a joke and there was no romantic relationship between us, university security intervened abruptly
Teaching Staff and LGBT Discrimination in Iraq
Hatred of LGBT individuals is a structural feature of the Iraqi educational system, where many academics perceive it as their duty to instill this resentment and hatred in their students. These students, in turn, may propagate these feelings further. It is crucial to acknowledge that the hatred expressed by university professors is distinct from that of ordinary individuals. Professors exploit their academic positions to disseminate their ideas and opinions in ways that incite hatred. This behavior may manifest through the spreading of misinformation presented as incontrovertible facts or by defaming members of the LGBT community, thus fostering animosity within the community. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Omar, a veterinary medicine student, notes that their curriculum covers aspects of animal sexuality, including homosexual or non-traditional relationships, as a normal part of the subject matter. However, Omar laments that professors label such topics as abnormalities, even going so far as to describe an animal’s natural behaviour as abnormal, despite scientific consensus treating these behaviours as normal. Omar reveals that professors not only reject these ideas in the context of animals but also segue into discussions about the LGBT community and alleged Western conspiracies. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Ali, another student, shares his experience attending a lecture by an Iraqi academic who recently arrived from America. Initially, the academic’s return was met with respect and appreciation from other professors, celebrated with a welcoming party. Yet, the lecture, purportedly on culture, veered into derogatory commentary on homosexuality, leaving Ali unable to recall the specifics due to the offensive nature of the presentation. This experience, for Ali, exemplifies the pervasive nature of hatred within the academic setting. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
The educational, pedagogical, and religious frameworks in Iraq foster misinformation and disdain towards the LGBT community. This environment not only perpetuates hatred but also contributes to bullying campaigns and the marginalization of individuals with unconventional appearances or behaviors, regardless of their actual association with the LGBT community.
Ghadeer, a teenage girl, notes that she faces challenges almost daily because of her appearance, clothing, and behavior from students. Her experiences include receiving death threats after discussing an LGBT-related topic with her colleagues. This prompted her to withdraw from her previous group and connect with a small group of students, fearing for her safety. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Omar, a young gay man, notes that he faced disapproval from his colleagues after he discussed research on homosexuality that included misinformation and hate speech. When Omar tried to discuss the topic in a scholarly manner, he received threats and denunciations, even though his colleagues did not assume he was part of the LGBT community.
These experiences highlight the social pressures that individuals face in society due to differences in appearance and beliefs. They demonstrate the necessity of changing conflicting mentalities and enhancing mutual understanding and respect between different individuals. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Outward Demeanor
Many people use their clothing choices and physical appearance as a means to express their identity and personality. It’s common for people to adopt distinctive styles and wear unique outfits. However, this form of self-expression can sometimes expose them to hostility and bias, not only from their peers at the university but also from professors and security personnel. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
In this context, Raad, a university student, shares his experience. He prefers wearing loose and unconventional clothing, which often subjects him to negative remarks. He recounts receiving comments such as, “These are clothes for girls,” “Even my sister doesn’t wear clothes like these,” and “Why do you look so feminine?” On one occasion, the situation escalated when a fellow student confronted him in a derogatory manner, asking, “How much do you charge?”—implying an accusation of engaging in prostitution. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Raad further reveals that these derogatory comments did not solely come from fellow students. Some professors also echoed similar sentiments, occasionally veering into sexual innuendos openly in front of the class. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Another student called Ahmed shares his own experience. “One time, I wore a shirt adorned with colored letters, which provoked a professor,” he recalls. The professor confronted him, saying, “Is it reasonable that you do not understand that these colors signify homosexuality? Wearing such clothes is forbidden here.”
These situations highlight the challenges some students face in expressing their individuality through fashion within the academic environment, facing not only judgment from their peers but also inappropriate and discriminatory reactions from those in positions of authority. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Appearance
Through a WhatsApp group dedicated to the students of one department, instructions were issued to adhere to the university uniform, comprising trousers and a skirt. Imad, one of the students, jokingly commented on the subject, saying, “They did not specify for whom the skirt is intended. Let us wear the skirt in compliance with the official uniform.” Although the comment was clearly a joke, Imad was surprised to receive a summons from the university dean on charges of promoting homosexuality. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Universities in Iraq have strict restrictions on LGBT individuals, prohibiting them from being openly identifiable either on or outside campus. Compliance with these rules is mandatory not only on campus but also in all settings, including social media. Posting images or discussions related to the LGBT community is strictly forbidden. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Iraqi universities warn that any violations will result in severe legal actions, including the possibility of expulsion or a halt in the promotion of students’ enrollment. This was the case for Youssef, a student who was severely interrogated and threatened with expulsion for publishing content related to the LGBT community. Untold Stories of LGBTQ
Crossing beyond their physical boundaries, universities seek to impose these restrictions even outside their premises, significantly limiting the freedom of expression and interaction for members of the LGBT community, even in non-university settings. Moreover, even individuals not part of the LGBT community, but accused of expressing support for it, could face severe repercussions, potentially ending their academic careers. Untold Stories of LGBTQ