Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are all subject to horrific punishment inside the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to the first detailed report on Iran's LGBT community. Members of that community are subject to social and state repression, and face persecution, exile, and even death.

In a society where being convicted of a homosexual act can mean the death penalty, speaking out for Iranian gay rights is a brave and dangerous action. This demonstration, which took place on May 17th, the International Day Against Homophobia, was small in terms of numbers, but it took courage.

The photos were published on social media site Joopea, and caught by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Golnaz Esfandiari, who calls the demonstration "rare, but not unprecedented". All participants were careful not to reveal faces for fear of reprisal.

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Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are all subject to horrific punishment inside the Islamic Republic of Iran...