Before the 2011 uprising and subsequent armed conflict, which caused significant damage and led to the country's fragmentation over the past decade, LGBTQIA+ individuals in Syria faced enduring challenges. They were disproportionately affected as marginalized groups in one of the worst wars since WWII.
However, Syrian LGBTQIA+ communities were not included in policy discussions and humanitarian initiatives within the Syrian context, despite being one of the most affected groups. They faced discrimination from both state and non-state actors. Yet, our research indicates that the LGBTQIA+ community has not been adequately incorporated into policy efforts, accountability measures, and peace-building initiatives, despite being crucial components of these efforts. Building on this, the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) participated for the first time in the history of Syria's public affairs by attending the Brussels conference for the Future of Syria VII in 2023. From there, we will continue to represent the Syrian LGBTQIA+ community in all relevant forums.