Individuals in all three contexts consistently report the importance of appearance and visibility in relation to their SOGIESC, emphasising societal expectations of ‘accepted’ gender presentations. Trans women in particular are highlighted as being exceptionally vulnerable due to visible gender norm transgressions.

In Lebanon, in particular, the political attacks are now much more visible and there is state harassment of organisations working on and providing services to the LGBTIQ+ community. There is increased support for the introduction of a bill that would criminalise supporters of all NGOs that promote LGBTIQ+ rights. Furthermore, vulnerable communities are being targeted to divert attention away from politics, and feminist groups are being silenced.

In Syria, respondents depict a clandestine diverse SOGIESC community life filled with daily challenges, including the fear of conscription into the Syrian army and harassment at checkpoints. They often adjust their behaviour to conceal their identity, with some even resorting to outward displays of religiosity for protection.

Economic struggles, particularly for refugees and those visibly non-conforming, were prevalent in all three countries. Specifically, many individuals face various forms of job discrimination. In Lebanon, the economic crisis has pushed many persons of diverse SOGIESC further into the margins of the economy, and COVID-19 prevention measures have hit them hard, including those dependent on sex work for survival.

Respondents in all three contexts place less significant emphasis on war experiences in their narratives. Instead, threats from civilians, including family, are more prominent.

While some found acceptance, many reported threats or violence from family members. There are also instances of forced marriage and ‘corrective’ rape.

Persons with diverse SOGIESC have limited access to either acute or long-term psychosocial support, although the situation in Lebanon is better than in Turkey and Syria. However, there are increasing rates of suicide in the Syrian diaspora in Lebanon as well as Turkey.

In Lebanon and Turkey, internalised fear and homophobia are surprisingly present, even within the LGBTIQ+ community. Some individuals confess they would ostracise their own children if they identified as LGBTIQ+.

The cumulative impacts of discrimination, violence, and mental health issues resulted in a desire for individuals to consider leaving the Middle East region.

All respondents emphasise the need to be knowledgeable about “micro-geographies” of safety in their cities, understanding where and when they can be more open about their gender identity.

Activists and organisations in Lebanon are adapting their strategies and learning from organisations in Egypt and Sudan. Meeting with activists and organisations from these contexts, they learn from their tactics of continued organisation under repressive regimes.

Programmes lack culturally sensitive approaches and service providers trained in refugee contexts.

The conditions that they find in Lebanon are perceived as far better than those they fled from in Syria. However, Lebanon is not the country of freedom and tolerance in relation to LGBTIQ+ rights that they were looking for. Lebanon is often considered as just a stop along their migration journey.

The triple crisis has compounded the ostracisation, harassment and discrimination of persons of diverse SOGIESC, who have experienced misogynistic, lesbophobic, homophobic, transphobic, or xenophobic behaviour. The economic crisis has pushed many persons of diverse SOGIESC further into the margins of the economy, and COVID-19 prevention measures have hit hard, especially people dependent on sex work for survival. The increasing socio-economic strain is also connected to increased anti-refugee and anti-diverse SOGIESC sentiments.

• Recognise diversity and use an intersectional approach. Both NGOs and policymakers should recognise that people of diverse SOGIESC are not the same across different locations and across the gender spectrum. Location is a key determinant of (in)security, and factors such as class, social capital, and age have different impacts and should be accounted for.

• More sustainable core funding is needed to support people of diverse SOGIESC. Specifically, more funding is needed for service provisions and psychological support and care.

• Move beyond simplistic and homogenised understandings of LGBTIQ+ needs. Have an inclusive and holistic approach when it comes to humanitarian response, taking into consideration LGBTIQ+ needs.

• Legal reform is urgently needed. Abolish article 534 in the penal code, which criminalises homosexual acts, and abolish all laws that criminalise sex workers.