‘Exposing our affairs meant death’: LGBTQ Saudis forced into exile

Some LGBTQ Saudis felt they had to flee their home country, as gay rights remain a social taboo in the Gulf kingdom governed by sharia law

Under Saudi law, homosexuality is an offence potentially punishable by death

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Gay rights remain a social taboo in Saudi Arabia which is governed by sharia law. EPA-EFE

Published: 7:00pm, 20 Apr 2023

Turki finally summoned the courage last year to come out as gay, but his family’s refusal to accept him forced the 20-year-old to seek safety – and freedom – outside conservative Saudi Arabia.

Soon after his disclosure, Turki found himself effectively detained by his parents and brothers, confined to a room and barred from attending his university classes.

“When my mother learned of my sexual orientation, she said to me, ‘You are not my son’,” he recalled. “My father and brothers beat me, and I was prevented from going out and meeting my friends for weeks.”

LGBTQ rights remain a social taboo in the Gulf kingdom – the birthplace of Islam governed by an interpretation of sharia law – even after social changes ushered in by de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The reform agenda has included the sidelining of religious police, the introduction of cinemas and all-night desert raves.

But it has failed to translate into expanded liberties for people seeking to proclaim their gender and sexual identities without fear.

Some LGBTQ Saudis felt they were left with no option but to flee their home country, as Turki did within months of coming out, after saving enough money for an international flight.