Iranian Queer Railroad

An assertion that crops up repeatedly in the near-1500 comments on my YouTube videos in support of LGBTQI Rights is that Bahá'is support the human rights of all people, including gay Iranians, despite Baha'i teachings that condemn and sanction homosexuality.*

Well, I'm calling you on it, people- here's a chance to literally put your money where your mouth is and help an oppressed group of Iranians gain asylum so they can live free from systemic persecution...sound familiar?

It's the IRQR- the underground Iranian Queer Railroad, and they need your help.

"The Underground Railroad was an informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th century Black slaves in the United States to escape to free states and mainly to Canada with the aid of abolitionists who were sympathetic to their cause. In Canada they had their freedom. In the past few years one of our major activities was about asylum seekers who must escape Iran due to their sexual orientation and we will continue this work under IRQR. Iranian queer refugees are resettling in Canada, and also in United States and in parts of Europe."

IRQR is "an international, non for profit, queer human rights organization that helps Iranian gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered refugees all over the world." They:

• "help when Iranian queers are threatened with deportation back to Iran.
• assist Iranian queers in obtaining asylum in friendly countries."

IRQR's founder, Arsham Parsi, was recently featured on the blog of the Moral Courage Project for his outstanding commitment to human rights.

So, let deeds not words be your adorning....
Donate to IRQR, and support the human rights of all.

*And while you're at it, speak up against Bahá'i discrimination against the LGBTQI community. Sign the Petition.