The Representation of LGBTQ+ Minorities in Iranian Media

Iran is a diverse nation, home to various ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities. According to Iran's media and broadcasting law and regulations, media outlets are expected to avoid unnecessary categorisation based on language, ethnicity, and religion, and not create conflict among minorities. Human rights frameworks also encompass rights that are specifically relevant to minorities, offering them special protection. These rights include freedom of opinion, self-determination, speech and press, individual immunity, freedom of parties and communities, respect for property rights, and judicial security. These are fundamental citizenship rights that all people in the media must follow in Iran, but since the Iranian government does not recognise most members of the LGBTQ+ communities legally, their rights are being ignored. 

How Sexual Minorities Are Represented in Iranian Media

The reality of minority representation in Iranian media is far from what the law stipulates. Iranian national television and broadcasting does not include any presence of minorities in media productions. The representation of an Iranian family in the media is limited to a Shia Muslim wife and husband with more than one child, while in reality, Iran is home to different religious groups such as Christians, Zoroastrians, and Baha'is, as well as different branches of Islam such as Sunnies. Moreover, sexual minorities living in Iran cannot be represented in the media properly as homosexuality is forbidden by law. According to Iranian law, an openly homosexual person will be sentenced to death. This harsh reality is a stark contrast to the basic human rights that every individual should be entitled to, regardless of their sexual orientation.

An Example of Representing Transgeders in Iranian Media 

One of the rare representations of the LGBTQ+ community in Iranian media is about transgender people who can legally undergo gender affirmation surgeries. However, the Iranian community and traditional culture hardly accept transgenders. An example of the representation of transgenders in Iranian media is a TV show called "The Accomplice," in which the daughter of the family is forced to get married, but he identifies as a man and does not marry another man. This TV series showcases his struggles and challenges in revealing his true identity to his parents, especially his traditional father.

The representation of minorities in Iranian media is a complex issue that requires urgent attention. While the law and human rights frameworks emphasise the importance of protecting minority rights, the reality on the ground is very different. It is time for the Iranian government and media outlets to at least emphasise on the issues regarding transgenders that they consider legal and educate people regarding the issues that transgenders deal with on daily bases and help the public understand different aspects of their life to be able to accept them in the society.