Life of an Iranian trans woman Shaya Goldoust is getting ready for Vancouver’s annual Pride Parade in August. She proudly embraces her identity as both Iranian and transgender and believes it is crucial for people and the world to see that the Iranian LGBTQ+ community exists and thrives. Last month, Goldoust participated in Toronto’s Pride Parade, where she proudly waved both the pre-revolutionary flag of Iran and the Pride flag, symbolizing unity. This momentous occasion was once unimaginable for Goldoust. She faced numerous hardships as a trans woman in Iran, experiencing violence, harassment, and discrimination on a daily basis. In Iran, reporting such incidents to the police is meaningless as the blame is often put on the victims. Goldoust underwent gender affirmation surgery in 2012 and lived in constant fear for her life. In an attempt to escape persecution, she left Iran in 2016 and sought refuge in Turkey, only to encounter more discrimination and torment. Finally, in 2020, Goldoust arrived in Vancouver, where she hoped to find safety and acceptance. However, behind the celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride lies a somber truth. In September 2022, two Iranian women named Zahra Sedighi-Hamadani and Elham Choubdar were sentenced to death by the Islamic Revolution Court of Urumieh. Amnesty International reported that their death sentences were due to their perceived sexual orientation and gender identity and their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights on social media. The United Nations called on Iran to halt their executions, but Iran defended its actions by stating that its legal system prohibits homosexuality and same-sex relationships. Homosexuality is a capital offense in Iran, and in January 2022, two gay men named Mehrdad Karimpour and Farid Mohammadi were executed for the crime of sodomy. These incidents highlight the immense persecution faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran. Arsham Parsi, a queer activist and founder of the International Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR) and the Marjan Foundation, knows firsthand the dangers that LGBTQ+ individuals face in Iran. He lived in Iran until 2005 when he managed to escape to Turkey and seek asylum in Canada. Parsi founded an underground organization in Iran to support the marginalized LGBTQ+ community, putting himself at great risk in the process. He now dedicates his life to helping the queer community in the Middle East. Goldoust, following his footsteps, is a journalist working in Farsi media. She hosts a Farsi radio program that focuses on Iran’s queer community and serves as a source of inspiration for LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran. She receives photos from Iran’s rainbow teens who hold up the rainbow and transgender flags, showcasing their bravery and commitment to seeking freedom in Iran. Despite the many challenges they face, individuals like Goldoust and Parsi continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and support their community in Iran and around the world.
Vancouver Resident Advocates for Iranian LGBTQ+ Pride: ‘Fighting for All’
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