Scroll To Top

Why should being gay be a crime?

In 75 countries being gay is still a crime. French activist Louis-Georges Tin, founder of the International Day Against Homophobia, hopes to change that by having the United Nations adopt a resolution calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality worldwide. Tin spoke to The Advocate ahead of a press conference in Paris where he announced the news.

A tale of persecution in Iran

Maryam knew she was a lesbian from an early age, but in Iran, being gay is punishable by death. Facing far more than parental disapproval, she was kicked out of school, fired from a job, imprisoned, and tortured, all in an unsuccessful effort to change her sexual orientation. Finally, she escaped to France, where her asylum request was still pending at press time.

Targeted by death squads

An escalating campaign of "sexual cleansing" in Iraq has led to the executions of many gays and lesbians. Some have managed to flee. Those left behind hide from public view.