This report is based on interviews Human Rights Watch conducted in Lebanon with 40 gay and bisexual men and transgender women-some of whom were perceived by perpetrators to be gay men-and non-binary individuals, as well as 4 heterosexual men. Limited data and underreporting-in part fueled by stigma around male vulnerability and reluctance to talk about experiences of sexual violence or seek help for its long-term physical and psychological impact-have contributed to male survivors not receiving adequate attention and help. However, existing services within gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection are focused almost exclusively on responding to the needs of women and girls and very little attention is paid to the needs of men and boys. While women and girls are disproportionately targeted by conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), men and boys are also impacted. Heterosexual men and boys are vulnerable to sexual violence in Syria, but men who are gay or bisexual-or perceived to be-and transgender women are particularly at risk. Since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011, men and boys and transgender women have been subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence by the Syrian government and non-state armed groups, including the extremist armed group Islamic State (also known as ISIS). Male survivor of conflict-related sexual violence in Syria, February 2019
We have been here in Lebanon because they not only raped us, they also raped our land and dignity.
