The militants have promised a softer brand of rule than the radical form of sharia law they enforced from 1996 until 2001 when they were ousted by U.S.-led forces but concern is growing for LGBT+ Afghans, some of whom are on the run fearing death.
Even before the Taliban takeover, LGBTQ+ people said it was too dangerous to live openly in Afghanistan. But under the Taliban’s extreme interpretation of Islam, LGBTQ+ Afghans say they could be punished with death, especially if international attention fades.
One gay man, a former teacher whose name and age we are withholding for his own safety, has kept a diary for the Thomson Reuters Foundation from Kabul about his hopes and fears.