Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Afghanistan face severe legal challenges and discrimination not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Afghan members of the LGBT community are forced to keep their gender identity and sexual orientation secret, for fear of harassment, intimidation, persecution, violence, and the death penalty. The religious nature of the country has limited any opportunity for public discussion, with any mention of homosexuality and related terms deemed taboo.
Under the Taliban’s rule, same-sex sexual activity was punishable by death. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, LGBT people have faced an increasingly desperate situation and grave threats to their safety and lives. Human Rights Watch and Outright Action International have documented cases of Taliban officials and their supporters targeting LGBT people for violence, including beatings, rape, and killings.
Many LGBT Afghans have fled the country in search of safety. However, even those who have managed to escape the Taliban’s reach are not safe. In neighboring countries, LGBT Afghans continue to face discrimination and violence. In some cases, they have been forcibly returned to Afghanistan, where they meet the threat of death.
The situation for LGBT people in Afghanistan is dire. The Taliban’s return to power has created a climate of fear and repression, making it almost impossible for LGBT people to live openly and safely. The international community must do more to help LGBT Afghans, including providing them with safe havens and ensuring they have access to essential services.
*Kauser Media Group supports the cause of LGBTQ individuals in Afghanistan. By conducting interviews and sharing their stories, we are hoping to shed some light on the difficulties and dangers faced by LGBTQ individuals in the country. This kind of reporting can help raise awareness, mobilize support, and potentially influence policies to provide aid and protection.*
