Transgender Experience in Morocco

By

 Upon coming to Morocco, I knew that they were not accepting of LBGTQ+ individuals. Still it shocked me to not see anyone that expressed themselves in any other ways than distinctively masculine and distinctively feminine in the way they dress. This led me to wonder about the reality of living in Morocco for transgender individuals. An article by Morocco World News highlights the experience from several individuals. The article states that transgender individuals are not allowed to change their names nor their gender identities, on top of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community being illegal and punishable by imprisonment. Seeking medical and emotional support is also almost impossible. One member of the community, Haniy, states it is most likely because "doctors fear for their jobs and ... won't give you documents... to go abroad and seek treatment". Haniy goes on to explain how trans individuals often seek over the counter hormones and self treatment so that their appearance and attributes can match how they feel. However, he says this causes issues with their identity cards, as they say a different gender than they look. These instances cause arrests to be made and individuals to be put in jail. The article also states that trans individuals are twice as likely to be arrested and that only around 15% of LGBTQ+ individuals receive legal council. The article also includes insight from Eden, another member of the trans community in Morocco, who explains how this discrimination has nothing to do with Islamic law or the Quran as there is nothing in the texts prohibiting it. Both Eden and Haniy express a strong sense of faith and say that Islam helped them accept themselves. Despite their devotion to religion and lack of text references, LGBTQ+ still receive public outlash and physical and emotional damage just because they are LGBTQ+ and trans are most at risk of this. Despite these experiences, the members of these communities are resilient and do not give up on themselves. 

Stories like theirs are especially meaning full to me, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has fears about traveling to countries that may not be accepting. I cannot imagine having to hide who I am every day and dress a way that makes me feel unlike myself and uncomfortable. I haven't seen any individuals who might be perceived in any way that might shoot off flags to others that they are LGBTQ+ and their lack of representation. Even I have been on edge about my clothes and how I present to everyone around me that is not with the group. In the US, we receive our own backlash and are subject to hate crimes and lack of acceptance and conversion therapy. I am lucky enough to not have had any issues out in the world with my own identity, but it took my parents a long time to come to terms with it and they still do not understand or like it but they accept it. Upon coming to this part of the world, I received many warning and looked around as much as possible for insight into how I should present and act. It is truly heartbreaking that this community is so shunned and hated that they are shoved into identities they do not believe they are and that coming out of them is criminal. The closed mindedness of the government is causing extreme damage mentally and physically to their LGBTQ+ citizens and their laws making it illegal and silencing destroys individuals from Morocco and abroad and shines a bad light on the country. Censoring by the government shows clearly the lack of respect for the individuals in the country's population. My hope is that Morocco soon sees the errors of their ways or that the individuals seek refuge or freedom elsewhere and find some way to be happy.


Hooper, O. (2022, November 19). Behind closed doors: The transgender community in Morocco. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/11/352464/behind-closed-doors-the-transgender-community-in-morocco

Comments

  1. Jaime KellyJune 5, 2023 at 1:52 PM

    First of all, Allison, thank you so much for being vulnerable and talking about your personal experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I also really am excited it is PRIDE and this is the opportunity that I get to respond to your post. As a member of the queer community I appreciate your personal experience. How scary it must be to be trans or any member of the community in countries like Morocco. They are at least 3 decades behind the US in embracing the Queer community. I have never talked openly about being queer because sexuality is so fluid however our communities are so rigidly governed by gender norms the fluidity of sexuality is so often misunderstood. It still terrifies me to type, "I am queer". US community still struggles with this fluidity, and Morocco is no where close to open reform for the trans and LQBTQIA+ community. While they have made tremendous strides for equity between men and women, it's been radio silent on this front. I would love to meet someone from the LGBTQIA+ community in Morocco and hear their experiences first hand and what they hope to see if the future and if there is conversation happening about it politically.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Who Am I? Think Again. Exploring Authentic Identities

By
Image
This video is part of the  TED Talks  series.  TED  (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a nonprofit devoted to disseminating "ideas worth spreading." I thought the idea of  creating authentic identity through failed imitation  was a great theme to begin the course as well as the blog. My hope is that you will step outside of the  status quo  and use your creative nature to complete the assignments and explore identity in a global context throughout this semester. What are your thoughts about Hetain Patel's presentation?
Read more

Gender Roles

By
Image
  During my travels in Morocco, I explored the unique gender dynamics shaping Moroccan society, particularly the roles and expectations of women. Traditionally, Moroccan women manage the household and raise children, with strict norms around maintaining virginity and preparing for motherhood, especially in smaller towns and villages. Public interactions between men and women are limited, and women often face restrictions on traveling alone or being out late at night. However, Western influences are gradually changing these norms in cities like Casablanca and Marrakesh, allowing women to take more visible roles in public and professional spheres. I found this evolving role fascinating and encouraging, especially as I observed women in urban areas breaking traditional barriers. Back home on my farm, we only employ men to do all the tasks. Men in Moroccan society traditionally serve as the primary breadwinners and protectors of their families, holding roles in the public sphere such a...
Read more

Blog Post 1

By
Image
       During our first tour of The Hassan II Mosque, I asked our tour guide about the headscarves most women wore. She informed me that the hijab, donned by numerous Muslim women in Morocco, is deeply ingrained in religious teachings, symbolizing modesty and adherence to Islamic principles. The meaning of “hijab” means “to conceal” in Arabic. It is the idea of covering yourself to honor God, and not draw sexual attention. Quranic verses and Hadith literature underscore the importance of modest attire, urging both genders to cover themselves and preserve modesty.      For Moroccan Muslim women, wearing the hijab transcends cultural tradition; it's a religious duty, showcasing their commitment to Islamic values. Serving as a tangible expression of faith, the hijab signifies submission to divine commandments and dedication to upholding religious ideals in daily life. Beyond its physical manifestation, the hijab carries spiritual significance, embodying a...
Read more