 In a society that still treats gender as a closed binary—“man” or “woman”—existing outside this system becomes an unspoken act of rebellion. Non-binary individuals—those whose gender identity does not fall within the traditional binary—live in Iraq between two worlds, without legal recognition, social protection, or meaningful representation in public discourse.
For many non-binary people, their struggle doesn’t begin in public spaces, but within private ones. The family—supposedly a source of safety—often becomes the first source of pressure. Individuals are expected to “perform” their gender according to strict norms that begin with clothing and extend to speech, friendships, ambitions, and even dreams for the future. Those who don’t conform to these standards face reprimand, violence, threats of ostracism, or attempts to “correct” their identity through religion, medicine, or force. Iraqi institutions—whether educational, medical, legal, or religious—also operate on a biological and binary understanding of gender. There are no official options that recognize non-binary identities, creating a legal and humanitarian gap that places non-binary people in vulnerable positions. Their official documents do not reflect who they are, and they may be forced to lie about themselves just to access basic services such as education, healthcare, or employment. In some cases, this disconnection between self-identity and legal identity leads to severe psychological crises, especially in the absence of community support or professionals trained to offer gender-sensitive help. Many testimonies reveal that non-binary people are subjected to verbal and physical violence—in the streets, within institutions, or even by family members. In the absence of legal recognition, perpetrators are rarely held accountable. In fact, reporting violence can turn into an even more traumatic experience, where victims are mishandled and re-traumatized—mentally or physically—by the very authorities meant to protect them. This forced silence creates a sense of isolation and deepens the fear and lack of safety. Even within some feminist or human rights circles in Iraq, non-binary individuals are sometimes viewed as “confused” or “unclear,” and are repeatedly asked to explain themselves, as if their right to exist depends on their ability to justify themselves within a dominant discourse that recognizes only binaries. Yet gender identity should be accepted as it is: a personal truth that requires no justification. Despite all this, non-binary individuals cannot only be spoken of from a victimhood perspective. They are also voices reshaping gender and cultural discourse, questioning societal norms, and opening new horizons for thinking about freedom and the self. Many express themselves through art, poetry, music, or social media platforms, despite the risks and restrictions. In these spaces, resistance comes alive—the body becomes a battleground, the voice a tool for survival, and mere existence a defiant act. Ultimately, supporting non-binary people must go beyond symbolic solidarity. It requires a deep review of the social, legal, and cultural structures that suppress anything that does not align with their standards. True solidarity begins with listening, self-education, using inclusive language, and defending the right of others to be themselves—without fear, shame, or the need to explain. Being non-binary in Iraq is a significant challenge—but it is also a living testament to human resilience in the face of erasure and denial. These individuals exist, are real, and deserve recognition, protection, and space.
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 Traditional Marriage: A Harsh Social Restriction on the LGBTQ+ Community.
In traditional societies like Iraq, marriage is considered one of the most significant social customs, ensuring lineage continuity and strengthening family and community ties. This concept defines gender roles, expecting men and women to marry someone of the opposite sex to form a “model family.” But does this traditional concept of marriage align with the diverse realities of gender? How does the traditional Iraqi marriage system impose severe injustice on those who do not conform to these norms? Can this system be changed to reduce the social pressure imposed by traditional marriage? In Iraq, as in many other conservative cultures, marriage between a man and a woman is the only socially and religiously accepted model. It is framed as a complementary relationship between genders, with predefined roles—where men are expected to be the “heads of households,” while women are expected to fulfill the roles of wives and mothers. Within this framework, LGBTQ+ individuals who do not identify with this rigid gender binary are often forced into marriages with someone of the opposite gender, despite not aligning with traditional gender roles. This immense societal pressure leads to severe emotional and psychological distress, forcing individuals into relationships that do not reflect their true identities. Injustice to Oneself and the Partner: Consequences of Forced Marriage One of the most significant harms caused by social and legal pressure on LGBTQ+ individuals in Iraq is the injustice suffered by both the individual and their partner. Injustice to Oneself LGBTQ+ individuals who are forced into marriage for social acceptance often experience internal conflict and emotional distress. They are compelled to conform to the role of “husband” or “wife” despite it not being natural or comfortable for them. This leads to accumulating negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, and even the fear of losing their true identity under societal expectations.Injustice to the other partner. The harm extends beyond LGBTQ+ individuals to their spouses, who are also forced into a marriage that lacks genuine emotional and gender compatibility. These relationships are often imbalanced, lacking open and honest communication about emotional and sexual needs. This can lead to unintended infidelity or emotional detachment, as there is no true harmony between the partners. Can Change Happen in the Traditional Marriage System? Changing traditional marriage concepts in Iraq may seem difficult due to deeply ingrained customs and traditions. However, with increasing social awareness and open discussions about gender and equality, there is a real opportunity for gradual change. One of the first steps toward change is raising awareness about gender diversity within Iraqi society. It is crucial to understand that gender is not simply a fixed binary of male and female but rather a spectrum that includes various identities. Education and awareness on these topics can help reduce the pressure on LGBTQ+ individuals who are forced into traditional marriage. Additionally, societal discussions should focus on redefining marriage as a personal choice rather than a family or societal obligation. Marriage should not be forced or imposed, and alternative relationship models that reflect social and gender diversity should be considered. Strengthening family support is also key to alleviating pressure on LGBTQ+ individuals. If families and communities become more accepting of diverse gender identities, individuals will find it easier to make personal and romantic decisions without the fear of societal rejection. Conclusion Ultimately, changing Iraq’s traditional marriage system requires collective social efforts to shift perceptions of gender and relationships. Marriage should not be strictly limited to a man and a woman but should instead reflect the right to love and acceptance. By eliminating the social and familial pressures that force LGBTQ+ individuals into traditional marriages, we can work toward a more inclusive and understanding society where everyone can live in peace with their gender identity. |
