Welcome to IRQR
Arsham Parsi
Founder and Executive Director
Our Story
IRQR was born on October 8th, 2008, as a Federal non-for-profit organization after Arsham, Gilles, Johanne, and Paul came together in an effort to collectively fight for queer human rights in Iran. Their urgent target population in mind were people who had to escape Iran in fear of their safety based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Türkiye has been a popular destination for this group where they first arrive to seek asylum through United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Our Mission
Our mission is to relieve poverty for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) refugees who are victims of human rights abuse and fled Iran because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
They mostly live in Türkiye and we support them by providing the basic necessities of life. In our efforts to relieve poverty we also sponsor them and provide financial aid and resettlement assistance to them.
Our Efforts
Since 2008 IRQR has supported and empowered asylum seekers and refugees in Türkiye through IRQR’s fieldworks and discussion sessions while they wait to arrive at a safe third country and start a new chapter in their lives.
Most of our projects run through our sister organization, Marjan Foundation where we offer Private Sponsorship Program to eligible candidates and frequently travel to various cities in Türkiye to remain in contact with our target audience.
Support IRQR
Queer Watch Reports
Explore our comprehensive Iranian Queer Watch reports, documenting the challenges, resilience, and stories of LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran. These reports highlight human rights violations, offer insights into systemic issues, and amplify the voices of those seeking equality and freedom.
Subscribe To Receive The Latest News
Stay Connected: Subscribe for Updates and News
Awards
Arsham Parsi, was honored with the esteemed Felipa de Souza Award by the New York-based International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC). This accolade recognized his unwavering commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
Arsham Parsi’s tireless advocacy work earned him the prestigious Pride Toronto Award for Excellence in Human Rights. This recognition celebrated his significant contributions to promoting inclusivity and social justice within the LGBTQ+ community.
Arsham Parsi’s groundbreaking efforts were acknowledged internationally when he received the Trailblazer Award from Logo TV in New York, USA. This esteemed recognition highlighted his pioneering role in championing LGBTQ+ rights on a global scale.
Arsham Parsi’s legacy shines through two notable exhibits: the Canadian Human Rights Journey and Canada’s LGBT Human Rights display at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba. These showcases highlight his pivotal role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights narratives in Canada and globally.
