Iranian Queer Organization
Encyclopedia
The Iranian Queer Organization (abbreviated IRQO, also known as the Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization) is an advocacy group for LGBT rights in Iran
based in Toronto
, Canada
. The organization was founded by human rights activist Arsham Parsi
and monitors violations of gay rights in Iran. Under the Islamic laws of Iran, homosexuality
is punishable by death.
Arsham Parsi left the organization and founded a new organization called the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees
.
While living in Iran in 2001, Parsi founded an internet group that later became known as the Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization. The organization produces a monthly email newsletter called Cheraq (light) and has 6000 members in Iran.
IRQO provides an avenue for homosexuals in Iran to communicate with like minded activists around the world. Following the Iranian election protests in 2009, IRQO distributed an open letter from university students in Iran deploring the state of gay rights in the country. The organization also published a letter from gay Iranian Mehdi Kazemi
after his boyfriend was executed and he was at risk for deportation to Iran.
In 2008, IRQO was one of the two winners of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
's (IGLHRC) Felipa de Souza Award and Arsham Parsi
received that award at the New York's ceremony.
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
based in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. The organization was founded by human rights activist Arsham Parsi
Arsham Parsi
Arsham Parsi is an Iranian LGBT Human Rights activist who lives in exile in Canada. He is the founder and head of the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees .-Career:...
and monitors violations of gay rights in Iran. Under the Islamic laws of Iran, homosexuality
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
is punishable by death.
Arsham Parsi left the organization and founded a new organization called the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees
Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees
Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees is an advocacy group founded and headed by Executive Director Arsham Parsi on behalf of Iranian LGBTs seeking safe havens both within and without Iran. It is currently the only active Iranian NGO in the world that works on behalf of the Iranian LGBT around the...
.
While living in Iran in 2001, Parsi founded an internet group that later became known as the Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization. The organization produces a monthly email newsletter called Cheraq (light) and has 6000 members in Iran.
IRQO provides an avenue for homosexuals in Iran to communicate with like minded activists around the world. Following the Iranian election protests in 2009, IRQO distributed an open letter from university students in Iran deploring the state of gay rights in the country. The organization also published a letter from gay Iranian Mehdi Kazemi
Mehdi Kazemi
Mehdi Kazemi is a gay Iranian who is currently wanted in Iran for sodomy. Originally in the UK to study, he was granted asylum by Britain in 2008.-Background:...
after his boyfriend was executed and he was at risk for deportation to Iran.
In 2008, IRQO was one of the two winners of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission is a US-based international non-governmental organization that addresses human rights violations against lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, intersexuals, transgender people and people with HIV/AIDS...
's (IGLHRC) Felipa de Souza Award and Arsham Parsi
Arsham Parsi
Arsham Parsi is an Iranian LGBT Human Rights activist who lives in exile in Canada. He is the founder and head of the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees .-Career:...
received that award at the New York's ceremony.