Introduction
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LGBTQ individuals in Lebanon, regardless of nationality, age, or location, have long faced discrimination and violence, often at the intersection of state power and societal norms. Despite the criminalization of same-sex relations under Article 534 of the penal code, LGBTQ people are systematically excluded from fundamental rights in Lebanon, impacting their access to legal, social, economic, and political freedoms. This report highlights how ongoing challenges, such as limited advocacy, lack of data on human rights violations, and the absence of support programs, have hindered progress for the LGBTQ community. Moreover, the combined effects of the 2019 protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis, and the Beirut Port Blast have significantly worsened their socio-economic conditions, exacerbating both visible and invisible violations. Through this report, Helem documents the impact of these crises on LGBTQ individuals' civil and political rights, shedding light on the urgent need for comprehensive policy change and improved support systems for Lebanon's LGBTQ community.