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How to Save a Life: Arsham Parsi and The Iranian Queer Underground Railroad (February 9, 10)
Which would you prefer- to be chopped in two with a sword, or beheaded by the same weapon? Maybe it sounds like more fun to be thrown from a mountain or high building, or, go out with the good old fashioned Old Testament stoning. It’s not the kind of thing I spend my days mulling over, not when there’s a new-ish Pet Shop Boys album and Cheap Martini Wednesday at Lola Lounge. But what if, upon leaving the martini festivities tomorrow, everyone at the party is executed?
UK Gay News: “Now I Have Lost Hope” – Gay Iranian Who Faces Deportation from Norway in Hours (January 24, 10)
SANDNESSJØEN, January 24, 2010 – A forty-years-old gay Iranian is today facing deportation from Norway – and it could be in less than 48 hours. Asghar Hedayat – and he insisted that his full name be used – first applied for asylum in Norway in August 2003 and is now in an asylum centre in the small town of Sandnessjøen, about 50 miles south of the Arctic Circle on the Norwegian west coast.
An Interview with Freshly Doug JOY 94.9 (January 5, 10)
Arsham Parsi had an interview with GLBTI radio JOY 94.9's premier current affairs show Freshly Doug, hosted by respected and award winning journalist Doug Pollard in Melbourne , Australia.
Digital Journal: Arsham Parsi of Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees (October 5, 09)
I first became aware of Mr. Parsi and the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees when I began researching and reporting on the horrific human rights situation for LGBTs in Iran for Digital Journal back in March of this year. Mr. Parsi recently took time out from his hectic schedule to grant an interview for Digital Journal.
نشریه ی دیجیتال: آرشام پارسی از سازمان دگرباشان ایرانی (پنجم اکتبر 2009)
آرشام پارسی فعال همجنس گرا، در سال 2005 برای نجات جان خود از ایران گریخت. در سال 2006 در کانادا سکونت یافت و سازمان دگرباشان ایرانی (IRQR) را با هدف کمک به دگرباشان ایرانی برای فرار از ایران و همچنین مبارزه با خطر بازگردانده شدنشان به ایران – که به معنای مرگ قطعیست - تاسیس کرد.
Moral courage champion fights for gay Iranians (September 24, 09)
I chose to write about Arsham because of the impressive way he has taken a stand in his community, despite the backlash that caused him to flee his country of birth. Besides the retaliation he faced from Iran’s government, Arsham has also confronted hostility from some in the Iranian queer community itself.
Der Spiegel: Allah’s Pink Sons; Persecution of Homosexuals in Islamic Countries (September 7, 09)
In most Islamic countries, homosexuals are despised, persecuted and sometimes even killed. Repressive regimes foment hatred against "effeminized men." "Do what you want with me, but don't tell them!" he cried.
Current TV: Iranian Gay and Seeking Asylum
A remarkable insight into the lives of two gay Iranian men living in Leeds. We follow them as they establish their new lives in the UK and the setting up of a new support group by the two who have become friends since arriving in Bradford. They both fled Iran after after their boyfriends were captured by the authorities, one of whom was tragically executed.
Edge: For Gay Iranian Refugees, a Matter of Life or Death (July 20, 09)
The international media clamor surrounding last month’s Iranian election, which saw the contentious re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad result in weeks of protests, demonstrations and violence, may have died down, but the unstable atmosphere lives on for residents of the Islamic republic.
Edge: Natarsid! Interview with Arsham Parsi of the IRanian Queer Railroad (June 21, 09)
Such is the case of Arsham Parsi, a refugee from Iran who left for fear of his life when the government discovered he was an LGBTQ activist. But Parsi didn’t just run and hide. Once he got to Canada, he regrouped.
Pink News: President of Iran admits gays do exist in his country (June 19, 2009)
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has accused his opponents to pandering to the gay vote, despite previously saying gays do not exist in his country
OUT Magazine: No Man's Land (June 2009)
Nima, a lanky 29-year-old artisan from Tehran, doesn’t exist. Neither does his shaggy hair or scruffy beard nor his brown eyes, anxiously tracking the February snow falling onto the lunar landscape. Sitting on this night bus heading to Ankara, the only thing next to me is a big, fuzzy sweater, a faded pair of jeans, and
Toronto Star and Vancouver Sun: Speaking up for gay rights in Iran (March 09, 09)
Across the floor of the Geneva human rights conference, Arsham Parsi spotted the Iranian government representative. This was his chance. But Geneva was not the Islamic Republic. "A friend once told me I didn't decide to become an activist," says Parsi. "Society forced me to."
Minister backs refugee status for gay Iranians (February 28, 2009)
Jason Kenney wrote the Canadian office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to urge quick processing of their applications after a story appeared last month in the Toronto Star. That story centred on Iranian Arsham Parsi, now a Toronto-based advocate whose "Iranian Queer Railroad" project tries to help gay and lesbians in legal limbo in Turkey reach Canada or the United States.
Trent Arthur: Arthur Speaks With the Founder of Iranian Queer Railroad (February 22, 09)
“Without change we cannot live. And I’m sure we’ll have big change in the future. When you’re talking about women’s rights, comparing a hundred years ago to now, it’s unbelievable. We are a new movement, and I’m sure that we will be successful – not just in Canada, but in Iran. It’s a kind of fighting for tomorrow, and we know tomorrow isn’t just 24 hours [away]. It takes a long time.”
Homosexuals not recognized in Iran, sex change operations legal (February 21, 09)
An attorney in Tehran, Iran, says that although partaking in homosexual acts is a crime in Iran, people commonly ignore the law. “Having a boyfriend or girlfriend in Iran is a crime, but most people still have them. Going to a party and drinking is a crime, but tons of people do it. Likewise, it is a crime to have sex with the same sex, but some do it anyway,” she said.
Following the Queer Railroad to Canada (February 17, 09)
Although Ahmadinejad skirted the question, several human rights groups and the United Nations have documented that in the Islamic Republic of Iran, homosexuality is punishable by death. Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, many executions have been reported, as well as countless cases of torture and abuse.
Toronto Sun: Gay refugees safe in Toronto (February 12, 09)
Lovers felt in danger in Iran, granted asylum in 'friendly' land. Two Iranian lovers who claim they face death in their homeland because they're homosexuals touched down at Pearson airport last night after being granted refugee status in Canada.
’Underground Railway’ Helps Iranian Gays to Freedom; Back Home, Iranians Enjoy Homo-Sex, Study Shows (Friday Jan 23, 2009)
Even as the situation in Iran has become so desperate for openly gay men that they must rely on an "underground railroad" to ferry them out of their country and out of harm’s way, a new study indicates that many straight men in that country have had same-gender sexual experiences.
Activist's 'railroad' helps gay Iranians (January 20, 09)
Not quite three years ago, Arsham Parsi was an Iranian refugee in Turkey. Today, he is executive director of the Iranian Queer Railroad, trying to help 200 people down the same road he took to Toronto.
Radio Farda, Negahe Taze (January 01, 09)
Parsa, Amirhossein and Payam will talking about their memories in Iran as a queer
Voice of America: Human Rights and Iranian Queers (December 12, 08)
صدای امریکا: حقوق بشر و دگرباشان جنسی ایرانی
برای دیدن مصاحبه بر روی عکس کلیک کنید
Guardian - A watershed for gay rights (December 8, 08)
A declaration calling for the global decriminalization of homosexuality will be put before the United Nations General Assembly this Wednesday, which is Human Rights Day and the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Iran’s gay exiles seek help in Turkey (November 27, 08)
ISTANBUL - Gays, lesbians and transsexuals suffer discrimination throughout the world, but in Iran, the difficulties are compounded by the government’s denial of their very existence.
IRanian Queer RR Launched (October 16, 08)
Arsham Parsi, the well-known Iranian gay activist, has announced the launch of the Iranian Queer Railroad (IRQR), a new organization designed specifically to help the growing number of LGBT Iranians forced to leave their country by the violently homophobic policies of the ayatollahs' theocracy. Homosexuality is a capital crime in Iran.
CBS-LOGO: Gay Iranian Blogger becomes a global activist
The 27-year-old founder of perisangayboy.com pushes the limits of the Iranian government and campaigns for gay acceptance.
رادیو زمانه: مردم یاد می گیرند که همجنسگراستیز شوند
به بهانه ی هفدهم می با آرشام پارسی، عضو هیات دبیران «سازمان دگرباشان جنسی ایرانی» در کانادا گفتوگویی کردهام و ابتدا پرسیدم که همجنسگرایان ایرانی در داخل و خارج از ایران چه واکنشی به «روز جهانی مبارزه با ترس از همجنسگرایی» نشان دادهاند
PinkNews: Gay Iranian teen's case will be reviewed says Home Office (Mar 13, 08)
An Iranian teenager who was facing deportation and possible execution will have his case reviewed. The decision was announced moments ago. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said...
Irish News: Lifting veil of suspicion that clouds asylum cases
Why we should take note of the case of a gay refugee in Britain, writes Quentin Fottrell. THERE IS good reason to be concerned about the British case of Iranian teenager Mehdi Kazemi who faces deportation to Tehran by British prime minister Gordon Brown to near-certain imprisonment or death...
BBC: Gay Iranian Deportation Reviewed (Mar 13, 08)
The home secretary is to review the case of Iranian homosexual teenager Mehdi Kazemi, who has said he will be executed if forced to return to Iran...
CNN: Gay Iranian faces deportation (Mar 11, 08)
Gay Iranian teenager faces deportation to Tehran and likely execution. CNN's Alphonso Van Marsh reports.
ABC News: Iranian Teen Fears Deportation Means Death (Mar 08, 08)
Gay Teenager Fights for asylum after Boyfriend is Hanged in Iran...
The Independent - UK: Now Iranian lesbian who fled to Britain faces deportation (March 07, 08)
An Iranian lesbian who fled to Britain after her girlfriend was arrested and sentenced to death faces being forcibly returned after losing the latest round in her battle to be granted asylum.
The Independent - UK: A life or death decision (March 06,08)
Mehdi Kazemi is a gay teenager from Iran. He sought sanctuary in Britain after his boyfriend was hanged for homosexuality. So why is Britain so determined to send him back to Tehran – to almost certain execution?
وی او ای: سازمان دگرباشان جنسی ایرانی برنده جایزه حقوق بشر شد. تصویری
وی او ای: گفتگو با آرشام پارسی سرپرست سازمان دگرباشان جنسی ایرانی
رادیو فردا: سازمان دگرباشان جنسی ایرانی برنده جایزه ی حقوق بشر شد.
XTRA: Legal limbo for Canada's gay refugees (Feb 21, 08)
Arsham Parsi was forced to leave his life behind. Threats loomed large. He spent years looking over his shoulder, carefully concealing the truth about himself from everyone he knew. Still, the dangers grew.
NOVA News Net: Gay rights in Iran a complex battle, says Iranian sexual identity expert (January 26, 08)
Harvard professor Afsaneh Najmabadi said Thursday night she wants Canadian and international gay rights groups to be more careful in...
Xtra West: I was Forced to Flee Iran (October 25, 07)
I was born in September 1980, in Iran. As a teenager growing up in Shiraz, I was lonely and filled with self-loathing. I had never met another queer, and I thought I was a freak.
Voice of America, Persian Desk (October 16, 07)
رادیو صدای امریکا: بررسی سرکوب همجنس گرايان در ايران از ديد يک فعال حقوق همجنس گرايان
در پی تکذيب وجود همجنس گرايان در ايران از سوی رئيس جمهوری اسلامی ايران، محمود احمدی نژاد، آقای آرشام پارسی، دبيرکل سازمان دگرباشان جنسی ايران، که مقر آن در شهر تورنتوی کاناداست، در گفتگو با خبرنگار شبکه خبری فارسی صدای آمريکا از سرکوب همجنس گرايان و دگرباشان در ايران به دست عوامل جمهوری اسلامی ايران سخن گفت و پيرامون شرايط دگرباشان در ايران توضيحاتی داد.
Voice of America: Homosexuality in Iran (October 7, 07)
VOA Persian TV, Roundtable program
برنامه فارسی صدای امریکا: واقعیت همجنسگرایی در ایران
صدای امریکا، میزگردی با شما
Global and Mail: A Gay Iranian in Exile, (October 6, 07)
A week after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's notorious appearance in the United States, I met an Iranian named Arsham Parsi. He is a slender, intense man of 27. He wanted me to see some photographs of two young men he knew back in Iran. Their backs are flayed – an angry mass of red stripes that runs from their shoulders down past their waists. “They were flogged for going to a party,” he told me over coffee
Deutsche Welle, Voice of Germany, Persian Desk
NO homosexual in Iran or they are rights less?
دویچه وله، بخش فارسی صدای آلمان
عدم وجود همجنسگرایان و یا بی حقوقی مطلق آنها؟
رادیو زمانه: یک برش از زندگی ممنوع ایرانی
هفته گذشته آقای احمدینژاد در دیدار با دانشجویان دانشگاه كلمبیا، گفت: «ما در ایران، همجنسباز (كلمهای كه خود احمدینژاد استفاده كرد) نداریم؛ قطعا همجنسباز نداریم.» ما حرف آقای رئیس جمهور را در كافه پیگیری كردیم و دنبال این رفتیم كه آیا ما واقعا در ایران همجنسگرا نداریم یا آقای احمدینژاد سراغ ندارد؟
Wall Street Journal: The Queerest Denial (October 02, 07)
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been doing a brisk business in harassing, entrapping, lashing, imprisoning and executing homosexuals since nearly the moment it came to power in 1979, with little notice in the West beyond the occasional human-rights report.
Queer Iranians and Mr. Ahmadinejad in the Press (October 1, 07)
A question was asked about the situation of homosexuals in Iran and in response Mr. Ahmadinejad replied: "In our country we don't have homosexuals like in your country. This does not exist in our country. I don't know who has told you that we have this." ...
دگرباشان جنسی ایرانی و آقای احمدی نژاد در رسانه ها
Washington Post: I'm Here, President Ahmadinejad (September 30, 07)
I'm one of those people Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says don't exist. I'm a 25-year-old Iranian, and I'm gay.
CBC Canada: Interview with Arsham Parsi (September 28, 07)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told an American audience this week that there are no homosexuals in Iran. But we've got the documentary that proves him wrong: a CBC News: Sunday production that first offered a ground-breaking look at Iran's underground gay life. And we ask Arsham Parsi, Executive Director of the Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO) whether anything has changed since we first aired the documentary
New York Public Radio, WNYC, Gay Iranian (September 28, 07)
This Monday President Ahmedinejad stated that there were no homosexuals in Iran, Arsham Parsi would beg to differ.
CNN : Being Iranian and Gay (September 27, 07)
CNN's Colleen McEdwards interviews Arsham Parsi about the obstacles and prejudices of being both Iranian and gay.
Voice of America, Persian Desk (September 27, 07)
رادیو صدای امریکا: بررسی اظهارات احمدی نژاد درباره عدم وجود همجنس گرايی در ایران
در پی تکذيب وجود همجنس گرايان در ايران توسط رئيس جمهوری اسلامی، آقای آرشام پارسی، دبير کل سازمان دگرباشان جنسی ايرانی، که مقر آن در کاناداست، در پاسخ به پرسشهای خبرنگار شبکه خبری فارسی وابسته به صدای آمريکا در مورد وجود همجنس گرايان و شرايط آنها در ايران توضيحاتی داد
CNN : Glenn Beck: Gays in Iran (September 26, 07)
Protesters met Iranian President Ahmadinejad at Columbia University, but a few people were conspicuously absent.
Radio Farda, Homosexuals in Iran (September 26, 07)
همجنسگرایان در ایران، رادیو فردا
CMI Brasile : IRÃ: Gays denunciam perseguição (September 26, 07)
'Ahmadinejad é muito homofóbico. Espero que todas as nações saibam que o Irã não tolera homossexuais' Arsham Parsi, ativista gay iraniano.
FOX News : Iran Does Far Worse Than Ignore Gays, Critics Say (September 25, 07)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's seemingly ridiculous claim that "we don't have homosexuals, like in your country" masks the cruel reality that his government does far worse than ignore gays, human rights groups charge.
GLOBO Brasile : Com medo de morrer, homossexuais fogem do Irã (September 25, 07)
Iraniano, diretor de site gay, conta que teve que se mudar para o Canadá. Declaração rebate afirmação feita por presidente iraniano, de que não há gays no Irã
BBC Brasile : Homossexualismo é punido com pena de morte no Irã, diz ativista (September 25, 07)
Os gays do Irã vivem sob constante ameaça não apenas da polícia e do governo como também da sociedade, disse à BBC Brasil o ativista Arsham Parsi, diretor executivo da IRQO (Iranian Queer Organization), uma organização iraniana que luta pelos direitos dos homossexuais
Radio ABC, Australia : We don't have homosexual in Iran (September 25, 07)
Arsham Parsi interviewed by ABC Radio in Australia about President Ahmadinejad comment
National Public Radio: Gays in Iran? Disputing Ahmadenijad (September 25, 07)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadenijad said Monday that there are no homosexuals in Iran. Melissa Block talks with Arsham Parsi, executive director for the IQO, or Iranian Queer Organization. Parsi, who fled Iran in 2005, currently lives in Canada.
CNN: Homosexuality in Iran (September 25, 07)
Iran's leader denies there's homosexuality in his nation. CNN's Brian Todd looks at attitudes about homosexuality there.
New York Sun: 'Who Are We?' Iranian Gays Ask President (September 25, 07)
President Ahmadinejad's contention during a speech at Columbia University that there are no homosexuals in Iran drew a swift rebuke from human rights organizations, with one activist challenging the president to explain how he, a gay Iranian, exists.
Mr. Ahmadinejad says Iran dose not have homosexual (September 24, 07)
آقای احمدی نژاد گفت ما در ایران همجنس باز نداریم
Human Connections Unite Panelists Fundamental Right to Love Dissected (September 12, 07)
Speaking on their experiences in Iran, Parsi and Khosravi gave a chilling picture of the conditions there for those who fall outside of the culturally conservative, Islamic society
Iranian and Canadian activists on the human rights frontier (September 08, 07)
“Imagine, for 24 hours every day you have to put a mask on your face. You have no friends. For example... some friends tell you about a girl. But you are gay and are not interested in relationships with girls. But now you have to start a relationship with a girl”, says Arsham Parsi, 26, an Iranian refugee, living in Toronto
Flight from Torture, BBC (July 16, 07)
An asylum seeker who was deported to Iran in 2004 has been describing how he managed to escape from custody and make his way back to the UK
مصاحبه ی قاضی مرتضوی در ارتباط با همجنسگرایی در برنامه ی کوله پشتی شبکه سوم سیما
دگرباشان را از خود طرد نکنید، رادیو بی بی سی برنامه ی روز هفتم
همجنس گرایان ایرانی ابزار سیاسیاند؟، رادیو زمانه
Inside Iran's Secret Gay World - CBC Canada
آشکار در ایران - سی بی سی کانادا - تصویری
HORRIFIC NEW PHOTOS OF IRAN'S TORTURE OF GAYS Plus, 87 Arrested in Raid on "Gay" Party, Doug Ireland (May 23, 07)
«On peut estimer que chaque mois, environ quatre ou cinq homos fuient l'Iran», Tetu - French
هم جنس گرایان پناهجوی ایرانی در ترکیه چه می کنند؟، رادیو زمانه
برنامه ی نسیم شمال تلویزیون کانال یک
Horrific photos show torture of gay Iranians, Gay NZ
Persian Gay And Lesbian Activist Urges Tolerance, Radio Free Europe
مردانه، آنسوی خط قرمز، زیگ زاگ
رویکردی سادهانگارانه به همجنسگرایی - حسین نوش آذر ، رادیو زمانه
Change Sex Or Die, Doug Ireland, Gay City News
همه لوطی ها به بهشت می روند، عبدی کلانتری
Brits Ignore Iranian Asylum Bid, Gay City News
Unveiling the Iranian Queer Organization: An Interview with Arsham Parsi, Gozar
Executable offences, Xtra magazine
GLBTQ and PGLO
Terra terror for gays, NOW Magazine
سکس و روان، ماه منیر رحیمی - رادیو زمانه
گوشه ای از زندگی یک همجنسگرا در ایران، بی بی سی
در حمايت از حقوق همجنسگرايان و براي مقابله با هموفوبيا و پدوفيلي
فعاليت تشکلهای دفاع از حقوق همجنسگرايان در ايران، بی بی سی
وضعيت پناهجويان همجنسگرا در سوئد - استکهلميان
مصاحبه رادیو فردا در روز مقابله با هوموفوبیا
هم جنس گرایان پناهجو در ترکیه چه می کنند؟
اظهارات سیما شاخساری درباره ی همجنسگرایی
Hadd Crimes, Fab Magazine
Gay Execution in Iran??? 1 (Video)
Gay Execution in Iran??? 2 (Video)
اعدام همجنسگرایان در ایران - قسمت اول - تصویری
اعدام همجنسگرایان در ایران - قسمت دوم - تصویری
The Birthday - (Video)
تولد - تصویری
Iran - Have a Sex Change on Us, (Video)
ایران - تغییر جنسیت ما - تصویری
Interview by Radio International Canada - Montreal
Iran's gays risk death for report, Toronto Star
The Situation for LGBT Muslims, by: El-Farouk Khaki - Secretary of Canadian Muslim Union
Gay Iranian in the Netherlands win asylum as "Special Group", Doug Ireland
Gay Iranian to be deported, The Local Sweden's News in English
I Know That I Am, Xtra Magazine
Mashhad place of martyrdom - Simon Forbes
Activist faces risk that “no physical sign of me will remain” Doug Ireland
Social Pressures Push Some Into Sexless Marriage, Washington Post
Protest Atrocities Against LGBT People: Demonstrations Called for July 19th, Political Affairs Magazine
Activists mark anniversary of gay executions with a call for human rights, IRIN, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Toronto Star: Fearless in Canada (June 25, 06)
They come from countries where they must hide their identity, where homosexuals are shunned, beaten, even hanged. But now they've found refuge in a country that has become a beacon of tolerance and human dignity. By David Graham
مصاحبه ای از رادیو فردا - 2006
مصاحبه ای رادیو انجمن حق زنان - قسمت دوم
مصاحبه ای رادیو انجمن حق زنان - قسمت اول
مصاحبه ای از رادیو صدای آلمان - 2006
مصاحبه ای از رادیو انجمن حق زنان ، سوئد - 2006
مصاحبه ای از شهاب فیضی - 17 می 2006 -بخش دوم
مصاحبه ای از شهاب فیضی - 17 می 2006 - بخش اول
مصاحبه ای از رادیو همبستگی سوئد - 2003
Definition of Gay Rights, Jim Andres
Queer Crusade's Bad Serve, NOW Magazine
Secret killings in Iran, Pink Paper
Gay lynching continuing in Iran, report claims. Pink News
a letter from Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of York
Cultural Attitudes toward homosexuality - San Francisco State University
Another Gay Iranian Torture Victim Tells His Horrifying Story - Doug Ireland
A letter to Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Canadian Unitarian Council & Minister of Foreign Affairs Canada
A letter of Homosexual Catholics in the Maria Hilf Institute
(November
27, 08)
