Challenges of Sexual and Gender Minorities and 'Forbidden Loves'; Special Program by Voice of America

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. On this day in 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders, recognizing it as a natural variation of human sexuality. Currently, same-sex marriage is legal in over thirty countries, yet in many others, including Iran, homosexuality is considered a crime and can lead to the death penalty. Members of the sexual and gender minority community are also known by the term 'queer.' On Friday, May 17, Voice of America held a special program titled 'Forbidden Loves' discussing the challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities with Ghazaleh Karimpour, a psychologist residing in San Francisco, and Ali Hamdani, a freelance journalist and member of the LGBTQ community. Ghazaleh Karimpour explained to Voice of America that the term 'queer' originally meant 'abnormal and strange' in the late 19th century, used to refer to individuals who did not conform to societal norms, carrying a derogatory connotation. However, it was reclaimed in the late 1980s to distance itself from its negative meaning. According to her, this term now encompasses a diverse array of sexual and gender minorities. Ali Hamdani shared his experiences as a different child, recounting how his literature teacher told him he was 'mentally retarded and wouldn't live long, suggesting he drop out of school,' and how such remarks pushed him towards an underground life. Nevertheless, he went to university and earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine, wanting to prove that a 'retarded' person could also become a 'doctor.' He recounted his encounter with the term 'gay' on a satellite program and his subsequent search for the word on the newly accessible internet in Iranian homes, discovering a 'chat room' on Yahoo Messenger where over two hundred Iranian LGBTQ individuals were typing their messages. Ghazaleh Karimpour noted that the fear of the unknown is not unique to Iran and can still be observed in the U.S., even in San Francisco's 'Bay Area,' which is considered one of the most progressive regions in the United States. Many people harbor this fear internally, including parents of children with such orientations, while some express it openly. Ali Hamdani discussed his dual life after discovering the Iranian LGBTQ community; an online life and a real life that were vastly different, yet he emphasized that discovering this community made him feel less alone. He talked about finding his first friends in college and sending a message to Behzad Bolour, a journalist for BBC Persian, leading to the first report on the Iranian LGBTQ community from a party in Tehran, where community members shared their long-silenced voices and their ongoing efforts to justify themselves to others. Ghazaleh Karimpour confirmed this sentiment, stating that members of this community, given the limitations they face, strive to prove themselves to society in various ways and continuously seek acceptance and approval from others. She also mentioned the concept of 'trauma' that underlies all these efforts, stemming from societal rejection. Ali Hamdani recounted being identified by the Ministry of Intelligence and interrogated by its agents, which ultimately led to his departure from Iran. He considers himself fortunate that his family was educated and had connections abroad, allowing him to maintain relationships outside Iran and providing him with understanding and acceptance without violent reactions, lamenting that not everyone is so fortunate. He expressed his wish to live without fear of judgment from others. Dr. Ghazaleh Karimpour responded to the question of what society should do to prevent the LGBTQ community from feeling 'othered' by stating that 'this question is the first step.' She emphasized that everyone should start from within, be curious, and monitor their judgments, understanding how these judgments affect their behavior and decision-making. She encouraged people to seek information themselves rather than relying on others and to avoid asking questions that might hurt others. She advised being aware of our fears and not allowing them to dictate our decisions. Her recommendation to parents is to respect their children and take them seriously, even when they disagree, avoiding humiliation and insults, and allowing their love for their children to guide them, especially regarding their children's sexual identity. May 17, coinciding with May 7, has been designated as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. The theme chosen for this year's International Day is 'No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All.' On this day, which commemorates the 1990 decision by the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from the list of 'mental disorders,' programs are held worldwide to end discrimination and violence against sexual and gender minorities. Policymakers, leaders, media, and the general public are called upon to address the urgent need to combat violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities and to create inclusive communities enriched by their diversity. Sixty-one United Nations member countries criminalize same-sex relations, either legally or in practice, and at least fifty-nine countries impose restrictions on freedom of expression regarding sexual and gender diversity. To date, sixteen UN member countries have imposed national bans on what is referred to as 'conversion therapy,' and nine countries have enacted nationwide restrictions on unnecessary interventions for intersex youth. A group of UN human rights experts emphasized in a statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia that systematic discrimination, threats, and direct experiences of violence are a reality for many worldwide, undermining their human rights in a context where sexual and gender minorities face the risk of being killed, including through state-sanctioned executions in some countries. Joe Biden, the President of the United States, issued a statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, declaring his administration's support and solidarity with sexual and gender minorities worldwide, as they seek to live full lives free from violence and discrimination. He further stated that this is a 'human rights issue.' In another part of his message, Biden praised individuals and groups worldwide working to defend the rights of sexual and gender minorities in high-risk environments, expressing gratitude for the daily contributions of sexual and gender minorities across the country. Biden noted that today marks the thirtieth anniversary of the World Health Organization's wise and overdue decision to remove 'homosexuality' as a mental disorder, calling it a significant victory for sexual and gender minorities and human rights defenders everywhere. According to the U.S. President, thirty years later, the struggle for 'equality' continues, and the Biden-Harris administration is proud to be part of this process. The U.S. State Department also issued a statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia, reiterating its commitment to opposing violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities worldwide. The statement explicitly affirms that sexual and gender minorities deserve recognition of their universal human rights and dignity. The State Department further states that it will continue to advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities globally, as it is not only a moral obligation but also contributes to strengthening democracy, national security, global health, and economic development. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also remarked on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, stating that in some countries, 'horrific' laws have been enacted imposing the death penalty for same-sex relations, and public discussion and educational materials on the rights of sexual and gender minorities are prohibited in those countries.