In the mosaic of global LGBTQ advocacy, few stances appear as paradoxical as the support some LGBTQ groups extend to Palestinian groups like Hamas, a stance popularly encapsulated by the movement “Queers for Palestine.”
This perspective seems to stand in stark contrast to the actual policies and societal norms that govern life in areas controlled by Hamas and others, especially when compared to Israel, which is known for its vibrant LGBTQ community and progressive rights. Anyone who has ever been to Israel knows firsthand the freedoms that exist there and the incredible support for gay rights.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the legal and social landscape of LGBTQ rights in the Middle East. In Gaza, where Hamas has governed since 2007, the rights of LGBTQ individuals are severely restricted.
Homosexuality is illegal under the current laws inherited from Egyptian rule of Gaza and punishable by imprisonment. Social stigma, fueled by conservative interpretations of Islamic teachings, can lead to harsher unofficial punishments, including honor killings and violence against LGBTQ individuals. Those who claim to be in the “Queers for Palestine” camp would last less than 10 minutes in Gaza. They’d be killed for their views. This is further proof that intersectionality is not a one-size-fits-all panacea for the world’s ills.
“Queers for Palestine” raises profound questions about the alignment of advocacy and real-world conditions. Such movements might argue that their stance is pro-human rights, standing in solidarity with all oppressed groups, including Palestinians. This could be a valid and noble position that emphasizes the universality of human rights were it not for the fact that Hamas, Hezbollah, the Muslim Brotherhood and other organizations rooted in terror and evil have been torturing innocent Israeli Jews for decades. Furthermore, it seems to overlook the dire implications for LGBTQ Palestinians under Hamas rule, where neither rights nor protections are afforded to them.
This oversight might stem from a broader tendency within certain advocacy groups to focus on anti-Israel and antisemitic false narratives, viewing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a lens that primarily sees fault in Israeli policies. While criticism of Israel’s government and certain policies is legitimate and necessary for meaningful dialogues and peace efforts, supporting a Hamas regime that fundamentally oppresses LGBTQ individuals and rapes and kills innocent women and babies appears incongruous.
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