Being Openly Gay in the Middle East:

 

According to Bruce Dunne, “sexual relations in Middle Eastern societies have historically articulated social hierarchies, that is, dominant and subordinate social positions: adult men on top; women, boys and slaves below,” following the traditional model of domesticity [1]. It is because of this social hierarchy that Middle Eastern families uphold values of honor and rules of conduct. To be gay in the Middle East is to shame your family and to invoke feelings of guilt and failure upon yourself [2]. Not only does the Middle East condemn homosexuality, but they also ostracize, punish, and silence people who are openly gay [3]. Dunne explains that “although homosexuality is not a crime in Turkey, Turkish gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transvestites, and transsexuals have been harassed and assaulted by police and sometimes “outed” to families and employers [4]. This harassment and violence in Middle Eastern societies leaves many homosexuals frightened to speak up and claim their true sexual orientation. Not only are homosexuals considered “sexual deviants” in the Middle East, but they are also considered a threat to society, causing many countries and cities to establish laws and regulations against any individual who might be gay [5]. Homosexuals are subject to scrutiny, imprisonment, and even deportation if they are open about their sexuality. In some cases, migrant workers were screened and tested for HIV in the United Arab Emirates, and once they tested positive these workers were subject to immediate deportation and job termination [6]. These extreme consequences cause many individuals to live in fear and hide behind false marriages and families. Coming out in the Middle East is risking one’s reputation, social status and support system—which is why many remain silent. Not only will these individuals be ostracized from their home country but they will also be cut off from their family, support system and community back home. These instances of isolation prevent many homosexuals from embracing their true sexual orientation.

 

Sources:

[1] [4] Dunne, Bruce. "Power and sexuality in the Middle East." Middle East Report (1998): 8-37.

[2] [3] “I Exist: Voices From the Lesbian & Gay Middle Eastern Community in the U. S. Insight into the Identity Challenges for Middle Eastern LGBTI Individuals.”

[5] Massad, Joseph Andoni. "Re-orienting desire: The gay international and the Arab world." Public culture 14.2 (2002): 361-385.

[6] Amon, Joseph J., and Katherine W. Todrys. “Fear of foreigners: HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, and residence.” Journal of the International AIDS Society 11.1 (2008): 8.

 

Consequences of Being HIV Positive in the Middle East:

 

According to the Journal of the International Aids Society, one of the earliest responses to the AIDS epidemic, “has been the implementation by governments of entry, stay, and residence restrictions,” for those living with HIV and AIDS [1]. There are about sixty-six out of the 186 countries of the world that have some type of restriction associated with positive HIV results [2]. Additionally, HIV-related travel restrictions remain prevalent among various countries throughout the world, preventing many people from working, residing or even finding treatment in other areas of the world.

HIV restrictions have been adopted by all Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) countries, including the United Arab Emirates. The UAE workforce is comprised of about 90% of migrant workers, including 500,000 construction workers and 450,000 domestic workers [3]. Because the UAE, mainly Dubai, and other Gulf Corporation Council members have experienced spectacular growth in their construction sectors, the demand for cheap labor has attracted migrant workers from South Asian and African countries. Despite the growing demand for cheap labor, the UAE continues to exploit and mistreat their workers, exposing them to various health, safety, and security risks.

Like many other GCC members, the UAE routinely screens its population for diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, HIV and hepatitis B before renewing or issuing new work or residential permits.  In 1998 the UAE screened its entire population for HIV and AIDS and deported all migrant workers who tested positive. Additionally, these victims were considered unfit to work and automatically disqualified from renewing or receiving their visas [4].

 

Sources:

[1] [2] [3] Amon, Joseph J., and Katherine W. Todrys. “Fear of foreigners: HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, and residence.” Journal of the International AIDS Society 11.1 (2008): 8.

[4] Sonmez, Sevil, et al. “Human rights and health disparities for migrant workers in the UAE.” Health and Human Rights: An International Journal 13.2 (2011).