Good news for the LGBTQ+ community looking to travel to Saudi Arabia in the future. The kingdom’s official tourist website was updated on Monday, indicating that LGBTQ+ are now welcome in the Western Asia country. A question was listed under its official advice list that reads, “Are LGBT visitors welcome in Saudi Arabia?” The answer to the question said, “We don’t ask anyone to disclose personal details and never have. Everyone is welcome to visit our country.”
Furthermore, couples who are not married are also welcome to visit Saudi Arabia so long as they act in a “culturally sensitive manner,” while women should wear modest clothing when attending public beaches. Interestingly enough, the updated advice section didn’t receive any announcement; it became public knowledge by Twitter users who noticed the change earlier this week, with some having initially assumed the updated guideline was some sort of prank.
It’s very sad to see a country criminalize the LGBT community and welcome them in the same time.
So what do you do if you were Saudi Arabia? Easy, Criminalized LGBT community make sure that your lgbtq citizens are in prison and in the same time welcome to International LGBT… pic.twitter.com/EdvwDu7bpG
— Wajeeh Gay Lionوجيه المثلي الأسد (@WajeehLionn) April 26, 2023
RELATED: Tourists Warned To Leave The Middle East Immediately Amid US Air Strike
The fact that the LGBTQ+ community is even being mentioned on the tourist website and that the response was that “everyone is welcome” is certainly a huge step forward, but some social media users weren’t all that convinced. One person perceived the message as Saudi Arabia welcoming LGBTQ+ members, but that still wouldn’t allow them to “be themselves” once entering the country. Saudi Arabia remains one of the few countries in the world where homosexuality is still punishable by the death penalty.
This often leads to discrimination, harassment, and even violence against LGBT individuals. In addition, many LGBT individuals face rejection from their families and communities, which can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
In Dubai, homosexuality is illegal, but there are no specific laws that criminalize it. However, there are laws against “immoral behavior,” which can be used to target LGBT individuals. In Iran, homosexuality is also illegal, but the government recognizes transgender individuals and provides them with legal protection.
RELATED: Citizens Across Iran & Middle East Celebrate U.S Take Down Of Qassem Soleimani
Despite the challenges faced by the LGBT community in the Middle East, there are organizations and activists working to promote LGBT rights.
These organizations often work underground due to the legal restrictions and societal taboos surrounding LGBT issues. In Iran, LGBT activists have been able to form organizations and hold events, despite the risks involved. In Lebanon, the Helem organization provides support and resources to LGBT individuals and actively advocates for their rights.
The personal stories of LGBT individuals living in the Middle East vary widely. Some have been able to live openly and freely, while others have faced discrimination and violence.
One gay man from Saudi Arabia shared his story of being forced to flee the country after being outed by his family. Another transgender woman from Iran shared her story of being able to live openly as a woman, but also facing discrimination and harassment from society.