Human Rights

The Dragging of Rights

Movie Screening

In partnership with LevantX, The Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Lebanon produced a documentary entitled "The Dragging of Rights: Beirut's Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ Community". The film is about two drag queens, and was produced in Beirut two years ago. It follows them and tells about the daily struggles they face in Lebanon.

A lot has changed in the country since the production of the movie, yet the situation of the drag queens in Lebanon is getting more difficult. According to recent surveys, 70% of the Lebanese still reject homosexuality, and violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community often occurs. Section 534 of the Penal Code makes "sexual acts contrary to the laws of nature" punishable. Other laws intensify the persecution of people who identify as LGBTQI+. Due to the severe economic and financial crisis in Lebanon, many people from the LGBTQI+ scene have left the country in recent years, and the once vibrant scene has been reduced to just a few safe places. In addition, political pressure on LGBTQI+ individuals has increased.