Gay Iraqi man describes his perilous plight

The alleged slaying of as many as 58 "emo" Iraqi citizens who are either gay or believed to be gay has sparked concerns from international human rights organizations, with many fearing Iraq may be returning to the rampant level of hate crimes against homosexuals as seen in 2009.

The Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)recently released a video which aims to bring the issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Iraqis into focus.

IRAP works directly with those most at risk in Iraq to help them relocate and secure their safety, and are requesting this video be shared again to raise awareness about the plight of gays in Iraq and the middle east.

In the video, 'Ahmed', a young doctor, describes how a young man he was in love with and financially supporting for four years betrayed him by sending intimate photographs to his family after Ahmed refused to continue supporting him for fear his parents would find out.

Soon after, six of Ahmed's uncles received a package of photographs, and decide to target Ahmed in an honor killing to save the family's reputation.

Ahmed fled to a neighboring country, where he was picked up by the religious police after purchasing some cologne in a local shop. Ahmed was thrown in prison by a high court judge after asking him if he was a "faggot" and telling him he didn't deserve to live. In prison, he was persecuted and the target of attempted rape by other prisoners.

Watch Ahmed tell his gripping, terrifying story above.

(Via Gay Voices & Towleroad)