The Taliban’s takeover has been difficult on all Afghans. But, more so on women, children, and people from the LGBTQ and other minor communities. Here’s the story of how the first Afghan LGBTQ group made it out safe and sound.
Afghan LGBTQ group finds a way out
For months, people belonging to the LGBTQ community in Afghanistan have been living in fear. However, the first Afghan LGBTQ group made it safely out of the country. The group was successful in fleeing the country and reaching the UK. According to the Foreign, Common, and Development Office, the group consisted of activists and students. They were fighting for equal rights and equality in Afghanistan.
“We played a key role in getting these people out and will continue to do all we can to help at-risk Afghans leave the country,” stated Liz Truss, a British foreign secretary. She assured that the UK will keep defending “the right of all people to be themselves and love who they want ”. Additionally, they were congratulated and apprêtâtes for their difficult efforts. During the Taliban’s first regime between 1996 and 2001, members of the LGBTQ community were brutally tortured before they were stoned or beaten to death.
What next for Afghans at risk?
As of now, Micro Rainbow, a charity that supports LGBTQ+ refugees is helping the members by establishing housing and other basic needs. “Of course, they are in a new country, in a place they’ve never seen before. Some of them don’t speak the language and they don’t know the system,” said Sebastian Rocca. (etutorworld.com) Rocca is the chief executive of Micro Rainbow.
Additionally, several activists and experts are joining efforts to rescue people belonging to the LGBTQ from the Taliban’s torturous rule. They believe that people belonging to the community are at higher risk of discrimination and torture. Hence, their rescue from Afghan is critical.