Today, Kun organisation released a groundbreaking report titled “Beyond the Bars, Within the Soul: The Realities of LGBTQIA+” documenting severe human rights abuses against LGBTQIA+ individuals in Libya. This comprehensive analysis reveals systematic persecution, harassment, and violence perpetrated by state-supported militia groups.

The key findings of our report, “Beyond the Bars, Within the Soul” reveal the systemic persecution of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Libya, who face arbitrary arrests, torture, and extreme acts of violence. Through personal testimonies, the report highlights the real-life impact of these abuses, bringing to light the severe challenges faced by the community. Additionally, the report underscores the dual challenges of erasure and visibility that LGBTQIA+ communities face, showing how entrenched patriarchal norms and gendered structures further marginalize specific groups.

Our analysis also delves into the concept of hegemonic masculinity and how it is employed by the government to maintain power and control. This form of masculinity, characterized by domination and the suppression of non-conforming identities, is used to justify violence and restrict public spaces. The government’s support of militia groups that enforce rigid gender norms effectively closes public spaces for all, not just LGBTQIA+ individuals, by creating an environment of fear and oppression. This strategy ensures the continuation of patriarchal and authoritarian control, stifling any form of dissent or deviation from prescribed societal norms.

Quotes from the Report:

• “They arrested us out of nowhere, searched our phones for ‘proof’ of homosexuality, and tortured us just for being at a cafe.” – Malik
• “I was forced to marry at a young age to hide my true self. Now, I can’t even see my children because of the stigma and danger associated with my identity.” – Omar
• “They didn’t understand what it meant to be trans. They beat me, humiliated me, and called in a religious leader to judge me.” – Amira
• “They ensnared and tortured me, claiming I was the one ‘ruining the country.’ The abuse left me terrified and isolated.” – Khaled

The report calls for urgent international advocacy and support to address these violations. Download the full report here.

For Media Inquiries:

Kun Organization
Email: contact@kun-ly.net
Phone: +15754059035