In countries where members of the LGBT+ community are systematically attacked, arrested, tortured and murdered, there are courageous activists who stand up to advance queer rights, sometimes at great personal cost. Here Stephen McCabe meets just six poweful individuals on the frontlines of the ight for a world of acceptance.

BOUHDID BELHEDI (Tunisia) LGBT HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER Association SHAMS (winner of GALAS International Award, 2017)

“ Forced anal testing is theoretically banned, but it is still a widespread practice throughout Tunisia.

“I was the first activist to appear on TV to talk about the LGBT situation in Tunisia. Following my appearances I received multiple threats from the government and also from extremists. I am no longer safe in my hometown, so thanks to a grant I was able to get rehoused.

Our organisation SHAMS is the only organisation to talk publicly about LGBT rights. As a result of our media activism we have begun to educate the Tunisian people about our struggle.

The main challenges Tunisian LGBT people face are Article 230 [of the Penal Code] which criminalises gay people, and the anal test for homosexuality. Forced anal testing is theoretically banned, but it is still a widespread practice throughout Tunisia. A person can refuse the anal test, but if you do, an inference will be drawn from that.

The Tunisian president has stated clearly that he is against abolishing Article 230 and all the deputies in our parliament are currently opposed to removing it. The only chance available to us is through the constitutional court, which is an independent institution.

Things have changed since the revolution. With the creation of SHAMS we can now publicly talk about our issues. We have won the freedom to express our opinion and the freedom to create associations like SHAMS, who talk about delicate subjects. But we have a lot more to achieve.