Toronto Star: Defiant and proud, gay Iranian refuses to blend in

[marmar]

ANKARA, TURKEY — Passing as straight has always been the path of least resistance for gay men in Iran. By adopting macho mannerisms, dressing in drab clothing, and wearing their hair short and unstyled, most can move about the country without being hassled by police.

But Omid Sapahrara, 31, couldn’t do it. As risky as it was, he wore makeup and styled his hair into slick, squared-off bangs. While so many gay men struggle to deflect attention, Sapahrara defiantly commanded people to stare.



“When our president said there were no gays in Iran I laughed. It was such a ridiculous statement,” says Sapahrara, referring to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s 2007 speech to Columbia University students in New York.

Far from invisible, he walked the streets of Tehran in rainbow-coloured running shoes, too tall and too skinny to ignore. His clothes, toothpick jeans and knit tops, are tight and he wears jewellery. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/890455--defiant-and-proud-gay-iranian-refuses-to-blend-in

[mzteris]

1. but but but

I thought gay men were weak scared sissies!!!!!!!

[crim son]

2. From what we're always hearing about Iran,

you'd think this man would have been killed a long time ago. What's up with that?

[marmar]

4. Probably means we get a very one-sided view of Iran.....not that there's not truth in it....

..... but we probably don't get a complete picture.

[Aristus]

3. He dreams of starting a new life in the United States.

Sorry, my friend. It's not much better over here. And I say that as a straight supporter of gay rights.

Still, follow your bliss. I'm glad you're all right...