In Process Record

People around the world face violence and inequality because of who they love or who they are. In 78 countries there are laws that forbid same sex contact, often with severe punishment.. These 7 short videos from Human Rights Watch highlight escalating cultures of violence and repression against LGBT individuals in several countries - South Africa, Russia, Cameroon, Jamaica, and Kyrgyzstan. Abuse survivors share their stories of human rights violations by police, and how local and federal laws create environments of perpetual fear.. Zahene Muholi, a South African photographer and “visual activist”, believes in the importance of documenting the positive aspects of LGBT individuals as a way to combat the perception that being a homosexual can only lead to brutality and hate crimes.. In Kyrgyzstan, Mikhail Kudryashov went all the way to the Supreme Court after being tortured by the police for being gay, but was not only turned away, he was fired from his job, disowned by his family and practically excommunicated from his church.. In Russia, Gleb Latnik was dismissed by the police when he tried to file an assault claim. He was essentially told that as a gay person it was normal for him to be attacked. Russia approved a “propaganda law” where depictions of nontraditional same-sex couples are not allowed where minors might view them, so as to “protect” them from considering homosexuality as normal.. Many LGBT youth in Jamaica are driven from their homes due to abuse and end up homeless. A lack of prosecution against attackers has led to an exodus of Jamaicans who have left their home country in fear of their lives.. The Human Rights Watch organization works globally to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people’s rights, and advocates for laws and policies that will protect everyone’s dignity so all people can enjoy their rights fully

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Originally produced by The Video Project in 2015

Mode of access: World Wide Web

In English