The director of an LGBTQ+ organization in Kurdistan said of the loss of U.S. allyship: “Support from the U.S. government had allowed the staff to organize events showing that there are ways to advocate for our rights. It showed us that we can do the work ourselves, show up for our people, that we are able to deliver. It was empowering. […] Now, that progress is being threatened.”
Date: 6/25
Region: Middle East & North Africa
Country: Iraq
Topic: Gender Equality & Inclusion, Governance & Rights
Policy Lens: Moral Leadership
Entry Type: Field Observation
Additional Context: This quote was collected by Human Rights Watch in an interview with the director of a small LGBTQ+-led human rights organization operating out of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq since 2019. Emergency assistance for LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing from violence included provision of safe housing, transportation, document renewals, and residency permits. This work took place as the legal context for LGBTQ+ rights in Iraq continue to tighten; since 2024, same-sex relations carry sentences of 10 to 15 years, transgender expression or gender-affirming care up to three, and the "promotion of homosexuality" up to seven years in prison.
The director maintains that the funding lost was relatively modest and the largest blow came from the collapse of the diplomatic infrastructure that the local U.S. consultate had provided, such as referrals, event space, and office usage. Since the cuts, the director claims to have been "ghosted" by the consulate, who has ceased all direct communications with the organization.
Source: Human Rights Watch