Examining the Impact of the Intersectional Identity of Queer Syrian Refugees and their Access to Health and Social Services, and Economic Opportunities in Lebanon

Abstract

This research paper examines the intersectional identity of being a queer Syrian refugee in Lebanon to identify the set of social, health, and economic challenges they have faced. This study also utilizes the Lebanese economic crisis in 2019, COVID-19 pandemic, and the August 4th explosion to illustrate the exacerbation of these challenges. This qualitative study uses and analyzes secondary sources from published scholarly articles and reports from international and Lebanese organizations containing testimonies from multiple people depicting their experiences being a queer Syrian refugee in Lebanon. This study reveals that queer Syrian refugees experience violence, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, sexual violence, and have a fear of being outed. These social challenges influence the care they receive by healthcare workers, with many claiming being denied access to care. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a brain drain of healthcare professionals leading to sporadic appointments and exploitation of queer Syrian refugees. On an economic level, queer Syrian refugees experience extreme forms of poverty and unemployment which was only magnified during the economic crisis in 2019, COVID-19 pandemic, and port explosion leading to many transgender Syrian refugees pursuing sex work. Therefore, stressing the importance of implementing legal reforms regarding the legal status of Syrian refugees and decriminalizing same-sex relationships in the country. Other reforms should take place amongst the Lebanese civil society, UNHCR, and the international community to start addressing the social, health, and economic challenges faced by queer Syrian refugees in Lebanon.