Shaya Goldoust, an Iranian trans woman, is eagerly preparing for Vancouver’s annual Pride Parade in August. She takes great pride in being both Iranian and transgender and believes it is crucial for people around the world to recognize and acknowledge the existence of the Iranian LGBTQ community. Goldoust recently participated in Toronto’s Pride Parade, proudly carrying the pre-revolutionary flag of Iran alongside the Pride flag, symbolizing unity.
However, behind the cheers and celebrations lies a darker truth. Goldoust reveals the hardships she faced as a transgender woman in Iran, including daily persecution, violence, harassment, and discrimination. She explains that reporting these offenses to the police was not an option due to the societal belief that being different was a personal fault. In 2012, Goldoust underwent gender affirmation surgery, but her life in Iran remained at great risk. Seeking safety, she left Iran in 2016 and initially faced similar discrimination and torment in Turkey before finding refuge in Vancouver in 2020.
The dangers faced by Goldoust and other LGBTQ individuals in Iran are further highlighted by the harsh sentences given to Zahra Sedighi-Hamadani and Elham Choubdar. These women were sentenced to death by the Islamic Revolution Court of Urumieh on charges of “corruption on earth” and “trafficking.” Amnesty International believes that their perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as their advocacy for LGBTQ rights, played a significant role in their conviction. The United Nations has called for the immediate cessation of their executions, but Iran refuses to comply, citing its legal system’s prohibition of homosexuality and same-sex relations. Homosexuality is considered a crime punishable by death in Iran.
The persecution of LGBTQ individuals in Iran extends beyond these well-known cases. Arsham Parsi, a queer activist exiled from Iran, sheds light on the horrific methods of execution sanctioned by the country. Homosexuality is punishable by death, and the various suggested methods include stoning, hanging, and being thrown off cliffs or mountains. Parsi founded an underground organization in Iran to support the marginalized LGBTQ community, making him a prime target for authorities. He eventually escaped to Canada and founded the International Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR) and the Marjan Foundation, providing assistance to the Middle East’s LGBTQ community.
Parsi’s story of escape from Iran vividly illustrates the fear imposed upon LGBTQ individuals. The police can raid homes at any time, resulting in arrest and persecution solely based on their sexual orientation. Parsi shares a tragic tale of his friend, Arsham, who chose to end his life after his parents discovered him with his boyfriend. Parsi took on Arsham’s name to honor his memory and continue their shared dream of fighting for LGBTQ human rights.
Goldoust, meanwhile, has become an inspiration for Iran’s LGBTQ community. Working as a journalist in Farsi media, she produces and hosts a radio program focused on Iran’s queer community. She receives photos from Iran’s rainbow teens proudly holding rainbow or transgender flags, demonstrating their courage and commitment to freedom. Goldoust admires their bravery, acknowledging that she couldn’t have done the same while in Iran.
In conclusion, Shaya Goldoust and Arsham Parsi’s stories shed light on the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals in Iran. Their determination and advocacy serve as beacons of hope for a safer and more accepting future.
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