A rare opportunity for Iraqi activists has come up with Iraq being appointed to the UN human rights council. “What’s great is that we’re able to provide resources for LGBT Iraqis that were not there for ourselves.” Ashour says his NGO’s network has grown really fast with the organisation’s website getting 11,000 hits a month, most from inside Iraq. It’s clear LGBT Iraqis are still looking for ways to connect though.
“We have no spaces left online or offline,” Ashour adds sadly. Suspected community spaces have been burned down or bombed, and it hasn’t been safe to meet up with people for at least six years – especially as people have been targeted via dating apps.
