December 14th 2024.
Dr Nas Mohamed, an openly gay Qatari, is raising awareness for LGBTQ+ rights globally and speaking out against FIFA's decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. Despite facing death threats and having to flee his home country, Dr Nas is using his platform to fight persecution and intolerance with visibility and advocacy.
Having been the only visible LGBTQ+ person from Qatar, Dr Nas knows firsthand the fear and danger that comes with being open about one's identity in the Middle East. After finding asylum in California, he has dedicated himself to fighting for those who are forced to live in silence and in the shadows. His bravery and vocal criticism of FIFA's decision to host the World Cup in Saudi Arabia have not gone unnoticed, but have also come at a cost with death threats becoming a daily reality.
Despite the potential for positive change and raising awareness, Dr Nas expresses disappointment and concern over FIFA's decision. He points out that nothing has changed since the last World Cup in Qatar and that in fact, things may have even worsened for LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. He calls out for more support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in the Gulf, and highlights the important work of his organization, the Alwan Foundation, in providing support and resources for those in need.
Dr Nas acknowledges the argument that hosting the World Cup could lead to progress and change, but emphasizes the need for accountability and pressure on the relevant entities to ensure the safety and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals. He also references David Beckham's involvement in promoting inclusivity in the sport, but stresses the importance of not using the World Cup as a means of "sportswashing" the reality of persecution and oppression faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Saudi Arabia.
FIFA's confirmation of Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host, with no other candidates in the running, raises concerns about the country's human rights record. Same-sex relations are punishable by death in Saudi Arabia, and Dr Nas's foundation has documented cases of LGBTQ+ activists facing persecution and imprisonment. Despite assurances from FIFA and the Saudi Football Federation that the country will be safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ fans, Dr Nas's personal experience and research indicate otherwise.
In the midst of preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Dr Nas continues to be a target of online harassment and discrimination. However, he remains steadfast in his advocacy and visibility, using his social media platforms to promote LGBTQ+ rights and challenge societal norms in the Gulf. He also highlights the need for systemic change and protection for LGBTQ+ individuals, as they are currently not recognized or supported by existing systems.
Despite the challenges and criticism he has faced, Dr Nas remains dedicated to his cause and hopes to see true progress and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community in the Gulf. He urges FIFA and other organizations to not turn a blind eye to the reality of persecution and oppression faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, and to use their platforms and influence to promote inclusivity and tolerance.
Dr Nas Mohamed has bravely emerged from the shadows to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals on a global scale. As the only visible LGBTQ+ person from Qatar, he knows firsthand the dangers and challenges faced by those in the community. Despite receiving death threats on a daily basis, Dr Nas remains committed to speaking out against injustice, including calling out FIFA for their role in 'sportswashing' the truth about the Middle East World Cup.
Having found asylum in California, Dr Nas knows he may never be able to return to his home country. The threat of persecution and harm from those around him, should they discover his true identity, was a constant fear that he lived with before seeking refuge in the US. Now, as the only openly gay Qatari with a global platform, he feels a responsibility to be a voice for those who are forced to 'live in silence, in the shadows'. He is also a vocal critic of FIFA, particularly after their recent confirmation that Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2034 World Cup.
Despite facing death threats, Dr Nas continues to speak out and raise awareness about the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the Gulf states. He acknowledges that speaking out comes with risks, as he has had to contact the police in his home state due to two specific threats. However, he remains dedicated to his work, which includes founding the Alwan Foundation, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ individuals in the Gulf. The foundation even has a non-binary Saudi on their staff, highlighting the importance of representation and visibility in the fight for equality.
Dr Nas has mixed feelings about the announcement that Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2034 World Cup. On one hand, he sees it as an opportunity to shed light on the ongoing persecution faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the Gulf. However, he also expresses disappointment that not much has changed since the last World Cup in Qatar. In fact, he believes that things have actually worsened for LGBTQ+ individuals in Qatar. He questions where the voices are that were previously speaking out for them, and emphasizes the importance of organizations like the Alwan Foundation in providing support and advocating for change.
The potential for the 2034 World Cup to be a catalyst for change is not lost on Dr Nas. He recognizes that it could be a platform for progress, similar to how David Beckham has used his influence to support LGBTQ+ rights. However, he stresses the need for pressure to hold those in power accountable for their actions. Despite the confirmation of Saudi Arabia as the host nation, concerns about human rights abuses and the punishment of same-sex relations with the death penalty, remain. This only further highlights the importance of Dr Nas's work and the need for continued advocacy and visibility.
The Alwan Foundation's recent report includes the case of activist Tariq Aziz, who was sentenced to prison for advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Saudi Arabia. Aziz has since sought asylum in the US and now works for the organization. In the UK, the Football Association has received assurances from the Saudi Football Federation that the country will be 'safe and welcoming' for everyone, including LGBTQ+ fans. However, Dr Nas's personal experiences and the foundation's report paint a different picture. He knows firsthand the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the Gulf, and the idea of a 'safe and welcoming' Saudi Arabia for the World Cup does not align with the reality.
As the first openly gay Qatari with a global platform, Dr Nas has faced trolls and backlash for his views and identity. He even claims to have been blocked by David Beckham on Instagram, although he did receive support from others in the Middle East. Despite the challenges, he remains dedicated to his work and continues to use his platform to raise awareness and conduct research into LGBTQ+ rights in the Gulf. With the confirmation of Saudi Arabia as the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, Dr Nas's advocacy and visibility are needed now more than ever. As he boldly proclaims, "I'm not going to allow them to use the World Cup to sportswash the reality; that they are severely persecuted and living in silence, in the shadows."
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