US-Based Doctor Becomes First Qatari To Publicly Come Out As Gay: Report

By coming out, the doctor hopes to bring "visibility" and end the "cycle of denial", not only for LGBT+ Qataris but all those living in the nation.

Homosexuality in Qatar is illegal, therefore, life in the Gulf state was not easy for Dr Nas Mohammed who had to constantly hide who he really is. However, the 35-year-old has now come out in the open and may have just become the first Qatari man to declare publicly that he is gay. 

It is to mention that same-sex relationships in Qatar are outlawed and carry a punishment of several years in jail. The Gulf state is also one of the almost 70 countries identified by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association which criminalises consensual same-sex activity. Moreover, besides the illegality, the social pressure on any Qatari suspected of being LGBTQ+ are many. They face social shamming, permanent ostracisation from friends and family, the threat of violence or worse. 

But, despite all this Dr Mohammed made the decision to come out in the media. “I do not wish to be anonymous,” he told The Independent in an exclusive interview. The 35-year-old, who now lives in San Francisco and works as a physician, said that for his own safety, he has no other choice but to seek asylum in the United States. 

Also Read | UK To Abandon Global LGBT+ Conference Over Conversion Therapy Row