A self-portrait of Ashkan and his partner, in a serene spot near the Caspian Sea in Iran. This is where they first met, after connecting through social media nearly ten years ago. Despite enduring systemic suppression, discrimination, family rejection, and legal persecution, queer individuals in Iran continue to persevere. Beneath the surface of Tehran and other cities, they carve out hidden spaces to defy the restrictions and pursue love and connection.

A mass gathering of pro-government supporters during a protest in Tehran, Iran. For over 40 years, the Islamic Republic and its religious leaders have denied the existence of LGBTQ+ individuals within the country. In Iran, being gay is punishable by execution, and societal attitudes remain deeply hostile, with same-sex relationships widely stigmatized and condemned.

Iranian women gathered for a religious ceremony in a mosque in northern Iran. For over 40 years, the Islamic Republic and its religious leaders have refused to acknowledge the existence of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. In Iran, homosexuality is punishable by execution, and societal attitudes remain overwhelmingly intolerant, rejecting same-sex relationships outright.

Ashkan and Eli share an intimate moment in the privacy of Eli's room. For nearly 13 years, Ashkan lived in secrecy as a closeted gay man.

A self-portrait of Ashkan and his partner, who spent years concealing their relationship to avoid the risks and repercussions they faced in Iran.

Ashkan holds his partner's hand in a quiet, hidden space. Despite systemic suppression, discrimination, family rejection, and legal persecution, queer individuals in Iran continue to persevere. In the shadows of Tehran and other cities, they create secret spaces where they can defy restrictions and embrace love and connection.

A self-portrait of Ashkan kissing his partner in a secluded corner of a friend's shop at night, beside a portrait of the Islamic Republic's supreme leader. For years, this hidden spot served as one of their safe havens.

Ashkan and Eli at an underground LGBTQ+ party in Tehran, one of the rare spaces where they can openly express their emotions and be together without fear of judgment or persecution.

A self-portrait of Ashkan. For nearly 13 years, Ashkan lived in secrecy, hiding his identity as a closeted gay man—until recently, when his father saw him holding hands with his partner in a park. In response, his father kicked him out of their home and threatened to rape him to death.

Three individuals are executed for being gay in a northern city of Iran. Ashkan and Eli live in constant fear that they could face the same fate. Iran remains one of the few countries where homosexuality is punishable by execution under Sharia law. Human rights activists estimate that between 4,000 and 6,000 gay men and lesbians have been executed in Iran for crimes related to their sexual orientation since 1979.

The word 'Freedom' in Persian is written on the window of a motel, next to the Quran. For Ashkan, leaving Iran was a matter of survival, but it meant leaving Eli behind. They had been in a relationship for over eight years, keeping it a secret until recently, when Ashkan’s father saw them holding hands in a park. In response, he kicked Ashkan out of their home and threatened to rape him to death.

Ashkan’s passport and notes outlining his plan to escape Iran. After weighing his options, he chose Turkey as his destination, as it was the easiest choice given his lack of a visa and the logistical challenges of leaving the country.

A self-portrait of Ashkan at Istanbul International Airport. He fled Iran after being disowned by his family and threatened with rape and death. Due to visa restrictions for Iranians, Turkey was his only option.

A view of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, one of the first sights Ashkan encountered as he arrived in a new country, aware that new challenges awaited him. Despite Turkey's relative proximity to the West, LGBTQ+ individuals there have faced rising discrimination, harassment, and violence in recent years.

Ashkan enjoying a night out at a queer club in Istanbul, one of the few places where LGBTQ+ individuals can fully express themselves. In Turkey, LGBTQ+ people like Ashkan face increasing discrimination, harassment, and violence. The government has also taken steps to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, including banning pride marches, other events, and limiting access to information on LGBTQ+ issues.

Turkish conservative and religious groups protesting to 'protect family values' against LGBTQ+ individuals. These groups often cite religious and moral objections to homosexuality and transgender identities, viewing LGBTQ+ people as a threat to traditional values and societal norms. In recent years, there have been multiple instances of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, including physical assaults and hate crimes by these conservative factions.

A self-portrait of Ashkan in his home in Istanbul. Since moving to Turkey for his safety, he has faced numerous challenges: his partner broke up with him, he experienced discrimination and racism, and above all, he felt increasingly unsafe and under pressure. These struggles led to growing isolation with each passing day.

Ashkan enjoying a night out at a queer club in Istanbul, one of the few spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can truly be themselves. In Turkey, LGBTQ+ people like Ashkan face rising discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Turkish police attacking the pride march in Istanbul, Turkey. In recent years, the Turkish government has taken steps to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, including banning pride marches, other LGBTQ+ events, and limiting access to information about LGBTQ+ issues. Faced with this oppression, Ashkan decided to leave yet another home and country, seeking a better future and the freedom to live authentically.

Ashkan's suitcase in the middle of the road of the Lower Saxony state refugee camp. Unable to return to Iran due to the death penalty he faced for being gay, and feeling unsafe in Turkey, Ashkan had no choice but to leave and seek refuge in Germany after securing a visa with the help of friends.

Ashkan waiting in line with other refugees for hours in the winter to register as a refugee. Unable to return to Iran due to the death penalty he faced and being disowned by his family, and feeling unsafe in Turkey, Ashkan had no choice but to apply for asylum in Germany.

Buildings where refugees stay inside the camp in Lower Saxony, Germany, while awaiting the results of their asylum process. After Ashkan applied for asylum, he was assigned a room and instructed to remain there until his application is processed.

A self-portrait of Ashkan inside his room in the refugee camp in Lower Saxony, Germany. Despite all the challenges he has faced and continues to face, Ashkan often feels homesick, longing for a sense of belonging and stability.

Ashkan waiting in line with other refugees for hours in the winter, enduring long waits for his asylum processing. Many refugees, like Ashkan, often spend hours standing in line, exposed to harsh weather conditions and uncomfortable surroundings.

The food provided for Ashkan at the Bramsche camp, lacking in nutritional value and often consisting of a repetitive menu for weeks. During his time there, Ashkan faced numerous challenges, including sexual harassment and racism.

A self-portrait of Ashkan resting on his bed in his room at the refugee camp in Lower Saxony, Germany. During his time there, Ashkan faced sexual harassment— a serious issue in asylum camps, particularly affecting women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Beyond the physical hardships, many asylum seekers experience a constant sense of insecurity, which often leads them to lock themselves in their rooms and avoid using the common areas, just like Ashkan.

Inside room 22, building number 5, where Ashkan spends most of his time. During his stay, he faced numerous challenges, including sexual harassment and racism. Refugee camps in Germany are not safe spaces for queer individuals, with many reports of harassment over the years.

Inside building number 5, where Ashkan is currently staying at the Lower Saxony refugee camp in Germany. During his time here, he has faced numerous challenges, including sexual harassment and racism. Refugee camps in Germany are not safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals, with numerous reports of harassment directed at queer refugees over the years.

Birds flying over the refugee camp in the morning. After nearly three years of living in Turkey and now in Germany, facing similar challenges in both countries, Ashkan sees no clear path to a safer future. He clings to the hope that one day, the Iranian people will overcome the oppressive religious leaders and laws, allowing him and many others living in exile to return home.