LGBT rights in Afghanistan

LGBT people living in Afghanistan face severe legal and social challenges. Being a homosexual or cross-dressing (wearing clothes usually worn by the opposite gender) are considered serious crimes in Afghan culture. Since 2021, following the Taliban overthrow of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the reestablishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, homosexuality is punishable by death penalty. In rural regions, local villagers sometimes take the law into their own hands.

Homosexual practices with boys
Despite societal and legal restrictions, a form of bisexuality exists within mainstream Afghan culture. Boys are kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery as sexual partners for adult men, often in military or isolated environments with no access to women. These acts are sometimes seen as assertions of male power rather than expressions of LGBT identity. Boys are forced into the "female" role in these relationships and are called Bacha bazi in Dari. A law has been passed to prevent Afghan male soldiers from keeping such boys with them.

Military members often use boys for humiliation and rape due to lack of access to women. Some boys also become prostitutes for adult men regardless of sexual orientation.

In 2007, reports stated that bacha bareesh (beardless boys) were prevalent in northern Afghanistan, involving teenage boys dressed in women's clothing and made to participate in dances and sexual acts.

Recent developments
Since 2021, the Taliban’s return to power has intensified persecution of LGBT individuals. Reports indicate hundreds have faced detention, torture, sexual violence, or extrajudicial killing.

In January 2025, the International Criminal Court filed arrest warrants against Taliban leaders, including Hibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, for crimes against humanity, including persecution of LGBT people. Taliban authorities have rejected ICC jurisdiction.

Social challenges
LGBT individuals in Afghanistan face extreme societal discrimination. Many live in hiding or flee the country. Families may enforce forced marriages or report LGBT members to authorities. Transgender individuals are particularly vulnerable to genital mutilation, sexual assault, and enforced disappearance.

Related pages
 Human rights in Afghanistan
 Bacha bazi

References

References

Afghanistan
Category:Afghan society and culture
Category:Politics of Afghanistan
Category:LGBT in Asia