07/03/2024 | Writer: Emir Monajed
Muhammed, a Syrian gay living in Egypt, told KaosGL.org about their experiences.
On the bustling streets of Egypt, where cultures converge and narratives intertwine, lives Muhammed, a young Syrian descent. Muhammed is a gay and runs away from painful realities, leaving no trace, hiding behind a mask of silence and acceptance. Muhammed is full of anxiety and anticipation and wants to be part of Egyptian society without revealing their identity.
However, there are traps set for LGBTI+ people on online dating sites in Egypt. Police and scammers set traps on these apps. They create fake identities for the purpose of espionage or fraud. This leads Muhammed to avoid interacting with visible people in their risky life.
We talked to Muhammed about their childhood, migration experiences from Syria to Egypt, their life in Egypt and the discrimination they were subjected to.
Muhammed, a 37-year-old resident of Cairo, opens up about their internal struggle, revealing, “I look like a man on the outside, but inside I am a woman.” Originally pursuing studies in Syria, the upheaval of war compelled him to seek employment in Egypt. Leading a subdued existence, Muhammed describes their routine as “from home to work, from work to home.” However, they express frustration at the constant need for pretense, driven by the fear of interference and potential attacks. Recognizing the necessity for this facade to ensure their safety and mental well-being, Muhammed navigates their life cautiously amidst societal challenges.
From their early years, they grappled with conflicting feelings, finding solace in feminine expressions and experiencing attraction towards boys in their neighborhood. However, societal pressures and fears of rejection compelled them to suppress these inclinations, leading to a constant struggle with their true self.
The turmoil of war in Syria forced Muhammed to seek refuge in Egypt, where they hoped to find safety and acceptance. Yet, the reality proved starkly different. In Cairo, he continues to lead a discreet life, navigating through daily routines of work and home with a constant veil of secrecy shrouding their true identity. Despite the facade of normalcy, Muhammed lives in perpetual fear of being discovered, knowing that the consequences of revealing their true self could be dire.
In Egypt, where LGBTQ+ rights are severely restricted, Muhammed faces heightened security risks and societal hostility. Instances of harassment and discrimination are a grim reality, with their gestures, behavior, and even speech often revealing their true identity despite their efforts to conceal it. Even within their own family, pressure mounts for Muhammed to conform to societal norms, with expectations of marriage and traditional family life weighing heavily upon him.
Adding to their challenges, Muhammed experiences exploitation and prejudice as a foreigner in Egypt, with individuals seeking to capitalize on their vulnerability by demanding financial compensation for sexual favors. Despite these hardships, Muhammed remains steadfast in their commitment to living authentically, refusing to compromise their identity for societal approval. Their story sheds light on the struggles faced by transgender individuals in conservative societies and underscores the resilience and courage required to live true to oneself amidst adversity.
“Not being able to live as a gay person, even in secret, is the greatest difficulty”
Muhammed also talks about the challenges of living as a gay man in a society where homophobia is widespread. Despite their efforts to hide their gender identity, they face constant harassment and risk to their safety. Muhammed reflects on the differences in social acceptance between Syrians and Egyptians, noting the extreme social repression of LGBTI+ rights in Egypt compared to other Arab countries.
Expressing disappointment with the United Nations’ stance on LGBTI+ issues, Muhammed states that there seems to be little genuine interest or support from the organization. They describe their encounters with Egyptian UN staff who hold conservative religious views and show little sympathy for the plight of the LGBTI+ community.
“Online applications are used for malicious purposes against LGBTI+ persons”
Muhammed discusses the dangers associated with online communication platforms used by LGBTI+ people, highlighting the prevalence of traps set by security forces and malicious actors seeking to exploit or harm members of the community. Despite the risks, these platforms remain a vital means of connection for LGBTI+ people in Egypt.
Muhammed also highlights the lack of awareness and support for sexual health issues among Egyptian LGBTI+ people. He notes the lack of accessible HIV testing centers and support organizations, leaving many vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections without adequate resources for prevention or treatment.
Their main purpose is just to settle in a country in Europe so that they can feel free without interference from anyone. No matter where they are, they just need to protect themselves. Since they feel psychologically destructive, especially in Arab countries. Acting, posture as someone you are not, is a way to be safe in these kind of countries. However they want to thine own self be true.
Translation: Selma Koçak
Tags: human rights
