In Iran homosexuality is punishable by death. Every year hundreds of Iranian LGBTs flee for their lives and escape persecution.

The Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR) is an international, not-for-profit, queer human rights organization based in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 2008, IRQR provides support and counseling to LGBT Iranians fleeing persecution. In addition to the direct support we provide to refugees, IRQR raises public awareness about the plight of LGBT in Iran to increase pressure on the Iranian regime to respect international human rights.

IRQR provides direct support to Iranian queers worldwide. This support includes financial aid for shelter, food and healthcare. IRQR regularly visits Turkey where many asylum claimants are waiting approval from UNHCR to advocate on their behalf and guide asylum claimants through the UNHCR’s resettlement process to ensure they arrive in a safe country.

As of May 2014, IRQR has helped 885 refugee applications since 2005 and provides consultations to almost 90 clients per week; this includes working with queer people who currently live in Iran, Iran’s neighboring countries such as Turkey and in Canada. IRQR has worked closely with UNHCR office, NGOs and the national governments to assist refugees.

• 65% of applicants were granted refugee status and resettled/will be resettled in a safe countries like Canada and the USA.
• 22% are waiting for a decision on their application.
• 9% of claims were rejected.
• 4% dropped their issues and voluntarily returned to Iran.

With your financial support, you can help save an Iranian LGBT refugee’s life and give them the opportunity to be free.

You can read more about IRQR successes, its annual reports, refugee stories and a lot more at our website: www.IRQR.ca

Giving Queer Refugees a New Chance of Life

“It was Friday evening and all 25 birthday party guests were arrested by police. They put us all in one small detention room. They called us one by one for interrogation. They started to beat me as soon as they found that I used to live in Paris.”

“I was harassed, mocked and insulted in anyway that you can imagine. They constantly called me “Ms. Faggot” and it was so much fun for them. I was raped by two police officer and just before they let me go, I felt something very sharp and burning in my back and I was told to go and have fun. I thought that I was injured as a result of their harsh behaviour. Three months later, I found out that I became HIV+.”

“My world was destroyed and I attempted suicide when I found out that I infected my boyfriend as well. A month later, I received a message that I have to co-operate with the police and report my gay friends to them. I did not want to destroy more people. We decided to leave Iran to Turkey. It was a difficult decision but we had no other options. We called Arsham just before we crossed the border. IRQR helped us a lot not only to receive free medications but also for our refugee applications. I am happy to say that I will start a new life in Canada in a few months.”

Parham, 24, Turkey - June 2014