Prepared by: SanctuaryNow.gay Advocacy & Research Unit
Date: December 2024
Region Focus: Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa
Executive Summary
Education remains one of the most effective tools for improving the safety and long-term survival of LGBTQ individuals in Muslim-majority countries. In nations where same-sex relationships are criminalized — sometimes punishable by death — access to schooling is often cut off entirely once a person is suspected of being LGBTQ.
SanctuaryNow.gay’s Education Program has provided 1,276 hours of secure instruction to over 210 individuals in seven high-risk countries in the past year. This report outlines the barriers, impact, and urgent needs in continuing and scaling this work.
1. Legal and Social Barriers to Education
Criminalization of Identity
- Iran: Same-sex relations punishable by death under Articles 108–113 of the Islamic Penal Code.
- Nigeria (northern states): Sharia law prescribes stoning for homosexuality.
- Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Mauritania: Death penalty still enforced in some cases.
Education Consequences:
- LGBTQ students expelled from universities or secondary schools after “morality investigations.”
- Informal blacklisting prevents access to private institutions.
- Teachers often act as informants to authorities, making disclosure (even accidental) dangerous.
According to Human Rights Watch (2023), at least 43% of LGBTQ refugees from Muslim-majority countries reported being expelled from school or university after their identity was suspected or discovered.
2. Program Model
SanctuaryNow.gay uses three secure delivery methods:
- Safe-house classrooms in urban hideouts (physical instruction).
- Encrypted online lessons using VPNs and secure messaging apps.
- Mobile micro-classes led by trained peers who move between safe zones.
3. Key Achievements in 2024
| Country | Students Reached | Hours of Instruction | Subjects Taught |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | 42 | 320 | English, Graphic Design, Asylum Prep |
| Uganda* | 51 | 410 | Literacy, Sewing, Basic Coding |
| Pakistan | 28 | 165 | IT, Digital Marketing, Mental Health |
| Yemen | 17 | 110 | English, Online Safety |
| Nigeria (North) | 31 | 171 | Tailoring, Entrepreneurship |
| Afghanistan | 19 | 60 | English, Digital Skills |
| Lebanon (Refugee) | 22 | 40 | Arabic Literacy, Resume Building |
*Uganda included for refugee spillover from Somalia and South Sudan.
4. Student Outcomes
From an internal follow-up survey (n=88, response rate 42%):
- 63% of participants reported improved ability to earn an income.
- 28% successfully applied for humanitarian visas or asylum.
- 72% reported improved emotional wellbeing after joining classes.
“Before I found this program, I thought I had no future. Now I can work online and support myself while I wait for my asylum case.” – Sami, Yemen (Name changed for safety)
5. Funding Needs
Projected 2025 Budget: USD $78,000
- $32,000: Secure internet access & devices
- $21,000: Safe-space rent & relocation emergencies
- $15,000: Learning materials & software licenses
- $10,000: Monitoring, evaluation, & security training
With increased funding, we could double our reach to 400+ students in 10 countries.
6. Call to Action
Every $100 donated provides:
- 4 weeks of internet and devices for a student in hiding.
- Secure space for 2 weeks of classes.
- Materials and mental health support for one student.
Without urgent support, many LGBTQ youth will remain cut off from life-saving education — and from the chance to build safe, independent lives.
References:
- Human Rights Watch. (2023). No Way Out: Education and the LGBTQ Crisis in the MENA Region.
- ILGA World. (2024). State-Sponsored Homophobia Report.
- UNHCR. (2024). Global Trends: Forced Displacement and Education Access.
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