Dear friends
In Egypt, simply logging into dating apps like Grindr can lead to arrest. Victims have faced discrimination and torture, including beatings and sexual violence, forced anal exams, and virginity tests while in police custody.
On top of the legal consequences queer people face simply for existing, this crackdown is having a profound impact on mental health. We feel alone, afraid, and worried that we could be next.
That's why I'm asking for your support today. I work at Bedayaa, an LGBT+ rights group in Egypt that's on the front lines of this unprecedented fight. And we need your help to pay for critical legal aid for LGBT+ people wrongfully arrested.
Will you make a gift today and give hope to LGBT+ Egyptians facing this crisis?
When you need help or protection, who do you count on?
In Egypt, few of us in the LGBT+ community can turn to our family, and you can forget about turning to the police – who are oftentimes actively hunting us. Authorities are using archaic laws to entrap, threaten, and prosecute queer people.
One victim had their phone searched while hanging out at a coffee shop. Police found nude photos and explicit WhatsApp messages – which was enough to be arrested. After a month in detention, we were able to hire a lawyer for the victim and free them from jail – it was a major victory!
And with your help, Bedayaa will be able to fight back against these horrific attacks on our community, like hiring more lawyers for folks facing unjust arrest and detention.
Shukran ﺷﻜﺮﺍﹰAsim*, Bedayaa Egypt*I am using a pseudonym for safety reasons.
SOURCES:● LGBTQ rights in Egypt: Queer community battles crackdown – Deutsche Welle, March 30, 2023● LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr warns Egypt users of police-run accounts – Al Jazeera, March 25, 2023
All Out is a people-powered movement. Members from around the world make monthly donations to power campaigns just like this one. Whenever there's a major attack on LGBT+ people, this support is what allows us to jump into action instantly. Help fuel the fight and become an Equality Champion with a monthly donation today.
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