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Iran's Gay Refugees

Ali Hamedani has been to Turkey to meet the Iranian lesbian and gay people who have fled home after facing pressure to change their gender.

Being homosexual in Iran can be punishable by death. But the Iranian state is tolerant of those who undergo clinical procedures to change their gender. Now, many gay and lesbian people say they face overwhelming pressure from the authorities and even from their own families to have the surgery as a "cure" for their sexuality. Many decide to leave the country.

For Assignment Ali Hamedani has been to neighbouring Turkey to meet some of them as they attempt to start new lives overseas.

Produced by Mike Gallagher

(Image: Raha, an Iranian gay on a train fleeing Iran. 91热爆 copyright)

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28 minutes

Last on

Thu 6 Nov 2014 20:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 6 Nov 2014 02:32GMT
  • Thu 6 Nov 2014 16:32GMT
  • Thu 6 Nov 2014 20:32GMT

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