JoopeA has been chosen as one of the LGBTIQ Rights headliners

On Sunday, January 28th, Amsterdam was hosting the annual True Colors event. the COC Nederland organized this annual event this year for the sixth time with participants from more than two thousand Queer Rights Activists from more than three hundred different organizations.

In the past years, known members of the COC or reputed politicians started the ceremony. But this year True Colors started with delegates from six organizations. Those organizations were selected as the headliners of Queer Rights in The Netherlands. The selection was based on their influence in The Netherlands and their mission.

We are very glad that JoopeA was among those six. The other selected organizations were: “Pos en Proud” in support of HIV positive LGBTIQs, “Roze 50+” supporters of queers who are older than 50, “Gerda Kreeft” supporters of deaf queers, “Expreszo” a publisher with more than thirty years of experience which has been running by teenage and young queers and “Trans United” which supports transgender people in The Netherlands.

JoopeA Foundation held IranPride in The Netherlands for the first time in 2017. This event was the biggest gathering of Iranians with different ethnicities, political opinions, genders and sexual orientations in support of Human Rights of LGBTIQ people. Additionally, JoopeA’s members who have a long history as human rights defenders are part of the founders and organizers of IranPride day in 2010. Iran Pride day is the last Friday of July and is being celebrated since 2010.

COC chose JoopeA as one of the most progressive groups regarding Queer Rights in The Netherlands and one of the headliners, because of the importance and difficulty of JoopeA’s activities which increases acceptance and tolerance for LGBTIQ people in societies such as Iran.

Here are some pictures from the ceremony:

JoopeA Foundation in True Colors 2018 — JoopeA Foundation among other organizations in True Colors 2018

True Colors 2018 openning — JoopeA has been selected as one of the headliners in LGBTIQ Rights organizations.

True Colors 2018 memorial time — Memorial of LGBTIQ activists whom passed away in 2017

JoopeA team at True Colors 2018. From left: Raham Rafiee, Mahdad, Iman Firouzifard, Elham Malekpoor

January 25, 2018January 28, 2018

Iranian LGBTIQ activists statement in support of #IranProtest

Iranian LGBTIQ ogrs statement in favor of #IranProtests

We Stand Together and Move Forward to Exercise Our Rights

Iranian LGBTIQ (queer*) community:

In all these years, LGBTIQ community alongside with other groups, not only have been observing protests and uprising of Iranian people, but they have been part of it as well. This year, we as a group of Iranian queer community, state our full support for Iranian people and we ask all Iranian around the world not to forget to fight for equal rights in all aspects including gender equality and LGBTIQ community rights.

The article 20 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares everyone right to have freedom of peaceful assembly and association. We also recognize everyone right to have a peaceful demonstration and protests as part of efforts to achieve equality and democracy in a society. Therefore, nonviolent demonstrations are basic rights of each person which is brought into laws in international communities and Iran. However, our society continuously being pushed out and LGBTIQ activists have been hiding their identities and hence leave the country.

In the last 4 decades, Islamic Republic of Iran government not only has been playing a direct role in punishing people, but also has been very active in promoting hatred against LGBTIQ community all around the world. Iranian government officials are proud to do such activities and these pressures forces thousand Iranian people from queer community to leave Iran and seek asylum in other countries.

We, Iranian LGBTIQ activists, request support from politicians and activists in Iran and all around the world and we demand their help to improve the situation of Iranian queer community until we achieve the equal rights.

We also appeal to social activists to not forget Intersectional people rights and to remember that students, women, teachers, workers, and minorities from different cities and villages are part of the LGBTIQ community. In Iran society, due to toxic environment against LGBTIQ community, people from different sexual orientations are not in liberty to exercise their rights and make sure their voices are heard, hence they are victims of inequality from different legal and social aspects.

We, as part of the LGBTIQ community, would like to ask all social movements especially women movements to promote gender equality goal and invite them to remember other sexual orientations in their conversations and not to encourage Heteronormative and Cisnormative dialogues.

JoopeA Foundation, Spectrum, Radio Ranginkaman

* “Queer” is used as equivalent of LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, etc.) which is more inclusive.

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December 24, 2017

We have become the fireworks …

JoopeA has been active for a long time since 2009 when all of the members were still in Iran and fighting… most people knew JoopeA from the JNews project, a media website which provides information related to sexual health and education and tries to raise awareness about sexual rights for Persian speaking people. However, the foundation has become known more in 2017.

We are a group of Human Rights activists specialized in LGBTIQ Rights and Internet freedom, trying to make a difference in the world by focusing on Iran. We are in the 21st century and still, a lot of people don’t have the chance to be who they are freely. Being able to show the true version of yourself brings hope and self-belief. And hope opens the doors of freedom not just for one individual but further, for the society. The freedom which has been taken away from humanity. Lack of freedom is what JoopeA doesn’t tolerate in any form of its presence.

For the first time, in 2017, JoopeA participated in Amsterdam Pride Parade on behalf of Iran with the aim of being able to be the face of Iranian LGBTIQ’s to make our existence visible. Visibility is essential for every LGBTIQ movement especially when we are talking about a country where the former president of it denied the existence of LGBTIQ community. And that’s why participating in Amsterdam Pride Parade was a turning point for the movement. And it made 2017 a special year for JoopeA Foundation.

2018 is going to be a year with even more surprises. We will be not just rocking again in Amsterdam Pride Parade but more and more will be waiting for you in the year ahead. Follow us on social media to stay updated about our projects and events and contact us if you think you can and you want to be part of our activities.

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No matter if you decided to take a step for LGBTIQ movement of Iran long before today or if you aim to join us now, we will be glad to have you beside us. together we are stronger and can do a lot more.

We wish you a new year filled with love, freedom and JoopeA.

November 29, 2017December 22, 2017

Summary of IranPride 2017 Closing Ceremony

Monday, 27th November 2017: JoopeA Foundation held IranPride 2017 Closing ceremony to close this chapter of IranPride and open the space for their participation for Pride Parade in 2018.

Here are remarks of this event in brief:

Member of EU Parliament fully supports IranPride

MEP and member of the delegation for the relationship with Iran, Mrs. Marietje Schaake has shown her full support for IranPride and LGBTI Rights for Iran in a video message.

“All Iranian suffer from repression, LGBTs are specific target; they’ve been imprisoned, tortured and executed. At the same time, social acceptance of LGBTs remains lower at times.”

Mrs. Schaake said.

“Equality is the principle reason why the Iranian LGBT movement wants to participate in the next Pride parade in Amsterdam. And I’m fully support this decision.”

She added.

LGBTI Policy Officer of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs speech

Mr. Mark Reichwein:

“When LGBTI people are not treated well, there is something wrong in entire society. Unfortunately around the world over seventy countries still criminalise homosexuality and in seven of them, there is death penalty for homosexuals.”

“This celebration of diversity matters and especially for those people, those participants around the world where they less fortunate when it comes to acceptance in their own society.”

Mr. Reichwein explained about the need for Pride Parade.

The ceremony in details

On Monday 27th November 2017, JoopeA Foundation (Stichting JoopeA) held IranPride 2017 Closing ceremony together with the representative of Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, COC Nederland, COC Amsterdam, Roze in Blouw politie, Human Rights activists, journalists, sponsors and supporters of the Iran Boat in Amsterdam Canal Pride 2017.

This ceremony started with the speech of Mr. Mark Reichwein, LGBTI Policy Officer of Dutch Foreign Ministry and followed by the speech of Elham Malekpoor Arashlu, poet and the core management team of JoopeA. Therefore, Raham Rafiee, founder of JoopeA gave a summary of the history of IranPride day and the background of JoopeA. After Raham, Faarjam, musician and composer performed his music. Iman Firouzifard, the core member of JoopeA News spoke about his story of Human Rights activities and also the projects of the foundation. The video message of MEP Mrs. Marietje Schaake has been shown and followed by closing speech of Raham and thank you message to all groups, individuals and organisations who helped JoopeA and IranPride.

At the end, Amsterdam Pride Organization and COC Amsterdam received symbolic presents.

October 12, 2017October 12, 2017

3rd Anniversary

JoopeA is not just a group, nor just an organization. It’s not an entity of one. But it’s every single one of us. JoopeA is this strong tree of life that each and every branch has been shaped and bloom by its community. This is why JoopeA is so understanding about the society and so close to its hearth.

We have passed many difficult years, since 2009 that we’ve gathered in a cafe in Tehran, to the time that we had to keep the low profile in Iran, as low as not breathing, or when we had been attacked in our office in Amsterdam, to the glory times of JNews re-opening and IranPride.

It wasn’t easy, it would never be easy. But for the better future, here we are, standing strong.

JoopeA has been officially registered on 13th of October 2014 in the Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands. Although we have started way before, we bless this date as one of the important points in JoopeA’s life.

Happy 3rd anniversary!

JoopeA is not a person or a group or an organization. JoopeA is a policy to think; The thinking that has it’s root’s in basic human rights, right to be ourselves and right to think. The rights that has been taken from us! But we don’t tolerate it. Increasing knowledge is first step toward Human Rights and this couldn’t happen if there is no access to free information. While it was unbelievable, this basic right has been taken from us. JoopeA is unstoppable fight to take this right back.

Iman Firouzifard

The notion of JoopeA has to be more about friendship than any ethical commandment or any kind of communal aspiration. And being friends with all an existence who is you stand at the front line.
The only important obligation is being or becoming capable in the language of the friendship. And you are first of all committed in front of yourself. This is the least significant step forward you need to accomplish which can represent your entire journey; The journey which has started from you to become unique, correlated and free from the creation of “others”. Because your pain hurts me and your glory flourishes me because you are the same as me, and not even that; because we are the one as we are equal.
We need to establish ties that make friendship happen; to be more than a number to each other.
“I am looking for friends.”
“Tame me please.” And let me tame you.

Elham Malekpoor

September 28, 2017

JAssist is now protected by Google

We are pleased to announce that JAssist project is now under protection of Google against cyber attacks such as DDoS.

As you know, JoopeA Assists (JAssist) is more than providing free host and domains to civil society organizations (CSO) and social activists in or for restricted countries. JAssist builds websites, provides basic graphical design, teaches digital and social engineering security mitigations, gathers and advises on online opportunities that are available for CSOs, etc. This project goal is to empower CSOs and activists to focus on their activities and content instead of spending their budget on expensive online costs while these services are not necessarily secure enough for their work.

Now, Google Project Shield has been approved JAssist as Human Rights project that will be protected under Google Digital Security Shield. In other words, all clients of JAssist would be protected against major cyber attacks from now.

Are you interested in applying for JAssist? Fill this form in.

Happy secure and facile online technology for Civil Society Organizations and activists who are helping the world to become a better place.

August 8, 2017May 1, 2018

Pictures of Iran Boat in Amsterdam Canal Pride Parade

First Iran Boat in Amsterdam Pride Parade 2017

Iranians took such a brave step forward in fight for LGBTIQ Rights and participated in Amsterdam Canal Pride Parade on Iran Boat for the very first time.

Iran Boat has been planning and managed by JoopeA Foundation since February this year and were supposed to be the pearl of the Amsterdam Pride Parade this year based on Amsterdam Pride Foundation. However, they were not be able to finish the track because of problem making of the Dutch skipper. While the message of the Iran Boat which are “being proud of who we are” and “standing for our rights” has been spread widely, this tumbling has brought too much pain and sorrow.

Amsterdam Pride Foundation has honored Iran team in Pride Week closing party and awarded Iran Boat a wild card for next year’s canal pride. A wild card let an initiative to float among other 80 boats without going through selection process and registrations.

Sorrow of Iran Boat participants after skipper left the boat on the side — Sorrow of participants after skipper left

Raham Rafiee speaking in Pride Week closing party while Amsterdam Pride Foundation awarded Iran Boat the wild card — Raham Rafiee speaking in Pride Week closing party

JoopeA’s productions including but not limited to this post and pictures on this page are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 International License.

July 26, 2017January 18, 2023

We support LGBTIQ Rights for Iran

Eighth Iran Pride Day is approching and will be celebrated in all cities of Iran underground! Because of this important day for Iranian LGBTIQ, JoopeA Foundation has asked Human Rights organizations and activists to show their public support for LGBTIQ Rights in Iran.

This statement has been published on “Queer Of Iran” website which is Pride Project of JoopeA Fooundation in this link.

Here is the statement and signatures:

We support LGBTIQ Rights for Iran

Ten years ago, the existence of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex and Queer people (LGBTIQ) denied by the president of Iran at the time*. While only three years before that two teenagers has been hanged publicly in Mashhad, Iran who have been accused of sodomy**.

LGBTIQ Rights movement for Iran has become more and more active through years. Yet, it lacks public support and visibility.

Hereafter, we, Human Rights activists and organizations, announce our support for LGBTIQ Rights for Iran publicly. We believe LGBTIQ Rights is Human Rights and every human is equal to another in their rights. Every human being should have rights to be who they are and not to afraid of coming out.

Issued by:

JoopeA Foundation: Expanding Human Rights by focusing on LGBTI Rights for Iran and Middle East.

All Out: Bringing people power to the global movement for love and equality

Atelier de Ontdekking: Draw your passion

ASL19: There is always a way

AvishanX: Learn about sex in Persian

Bi’Cause: A mixed association, consensual reflection and information for bisexuals

Chelteke: Persian Speaking support group for LGBTIQ in Toronto

CFPPI: Campaign to Free Political Prisoners in Iran

Club Church: Best divers club of Amsterdam who supports diversity movements

COC Amsterdam: Strives for the decriminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity and for equal rights

COC Nederland: advocating the rights of LGBTIQ around the world

Dharma & Martia: an international network that works on LGBTQI rights in Middle East

Dojensgara: Bisexuality in Persian

Egaypt: Arab LGBTQ Advocacy

GALA Foundation: Promotes the visibility and accessibility of the gay community in Amsterdam

Human Rights Campaign: Envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights

ILGA: Worldwide federation campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights

Iran Academia: First Persian online academy for Social Sciences and Humanities

IRQO: Defending human and civil rights of Iranian LGBT in Iran and diaspora

JoopeA News: Everything on Sexual Rights in Persian

Localization Lab: Supporters of translation and localization of Internet freedom tools

LSVD: Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany LSVD

Maanaav: LGBTQ Organization for Iran

MCC: Global Justice Institute, Metropolitan Community Churches

Opportunity Point: Serves as a safe platform for information sharing and networking within the LGBTI community

OutRight International: Defends the human rights of LGBTIQ people everywhere

Peter Tatchell Foundation: Defends LGBT and other human rights in the UK and globally

Pride Amsterdam Foundation: Organizer of Amsterdam Pride

Rapido Events: Largest divers parties in the Netherlands who supports diversity movement

Radio Ranginkaman: Persian radio for LGBTIQ all over the Middle East

Secret Garden: Empowering LGBTI migrant, refugees and asylum seekers in the Netherlands

Segooshezarin: Make a better situation for LGBTQIA in Iran

Spectrum: A spectrum of projects connected to gender equality and education

WPML: Makes it easy to build multilingual world

Zamaneh Media: Independent participatory media for Iran

Names are based on Alphabet order.

* Ahmadinejad: No Gays, No Oppression of Women in Iran – http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3642673
** Iranian teenagers from the province of Khorasan who were publicly hanged accused of “lavat” (sodomy) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmoud_Asgari_and_Ayaz_Marhoni

June 19, 2017September 28, 2017

Support Iranian LGBTI Rights publicly

It’s time to come out!

Being a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual or queers is not easy, specially in a country such as Iran. LGBTI have to go through a lot. Coming out is one of them which is difficult. It costs a lot even our lives in some cases.

But Iranian LGBTI are fighting for their rights. They stand strong, learn to be brave and come out even though it can make the future difficult. Because it’s everybody’s right to be themselves.

Now, we would like to request you to come out in your support for LGBTI Rights. We understand that showing your support for LGBTI Rights in public might be difficult better than anyone. But it’s the time to take this difficult step with your fellow LGBTI and don’t leave them behind. Because it’s not about a person or an organization, but about Human Rights.

Please review short statement below in favor of LGBTI visibility, sign it by sending your logo and url to [email protected] to join.

Iranian LGBTI are raising bravely to take this huge step of coming out in Pride Amsterdam. We would like to ask you to step forward virtually.

Statement:

We support LGBTIQ Rights for Iran

LGBTIQ Rights movement for Iran has become more and more active through years. Yet, it lacks public support and visibility.

* Ahmadinejad: No Gays, No Oppression of Women in Iran – http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3642673
** Iranian teenagers from the province of Khorasan who were publicly hanged – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmoud_Asgari_and_Ayaz_Marhoni