Violence against LGBT

Violence – be it verbal or physical – is a fact of life for many men and women whose sexual life or gender identity fails to fit social norms. In the case of Munir in this chapter, for example, and others, that includes state-sanctioned violence. Since the 2003 invasion – with the breakdown of order, a rise in sectarian violence, and increased international scrutiny – Iraq has become the poster-child for organized assaults against those who “dare to be different” – including LGBT men and women. For research on this situation, see “They Want Us Exterminated” from Human Rights Watch, “The Transformation of Violence in Iraq” by Penny Green and Tony Ward and “Fatwas and Fags” by Barrak Alzaid.