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70 countries around the world have laws criminalizing the existence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people. That’s 70 countries where people who love each other must do so in secret, where people must hide their true selves. While the laws of each country vary, they all restrict the right to freedom of expression of people’s sexual orientation and gender identity. Punishments include fines, imprisonment, torture and, in some instances, death.

75
COUNTRIES, SAME SEX ACTS ARE ILLEGAL
5
COUNTRIES, SAME SEX ACTS ARE PUNISHABLE BY DEATH
56%
OF AMERICAN LGBTQIA+ YOUTH FEEL UNSAFE AT SCHOOL
30%
OF TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS IN THEIR LIVES (USA).

Discrimination is not limited to these countries alone. Violence and prejudice based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics is rampant worldwide. In some areas it is getting worse. Media outlets often tell us about laws, crimes and atrocities, but rarely making space for those living through these abuses. When they are given a chance to speak, their voices are controlled by that same media which fails to represent or attempt to understand their experience.

 

This campaign aims to change that. Where Love is Illegal is a platform allowing for the sharing of LGBTQI+ stories of discrimination and survival, unmanipulated and uncensored. Those who participate choose how to present themselves so that they might have a say in how they are seen, and write their own stories so they can control how they are heard. In doing so, we are supporting LGBTQI+ people in taking back control of the narrative of their lives.

 

Witness Change has traveled the world documenting these stories, but the campaign is not limited to those we can physically reach. Hundreds of LGBTQI+ identifying people around the world send their image and story, creating a truly global project.

 

Our actions extend beyond storytelling. Through our networks of followers, not-for-profits and media outlets we have reached hundreds of millions of people and supported the grassroots advocacy of LGBTQI+ organizations in the countries we have operated.

Our Impact

These are just some of the highlights and impact of our work throughout the Where Love is Ilegal project

20+ nationalities represented
We’ve traveled to hear the stories of people from over 20+ nationalities.
200+ stories told from LGBTQIA+ community
We’ve created a platform for our community to share their stories. Our Instagram account is followed by over 200,000 people.
Reached millions of readers
We’ve reached millions of people through partnerships with Time Magazine, National Geographic, The New York Times, The Guardian, Le Monde.
Freed imprisoned LGBTQIA+ individuals
We raised money through the project to free four men from a prison in Nigeria.
We’ve hosted exhibits
We’ve hosted exhibits on five continents, engaging with the communities we serve.
Storytelling workshops with local activists
We ran four storytelling workshops with local activists to teaching photography and storytelling techniques to promote self advocacy.
See the project in full at whereloveisillegal.com
We’re making change
Your donations make our work possible and change a reality.
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