During the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last king of the Pahlavi dynasty, homosexuality was tolerated to a certain extent, to the point that news of same-sex marriages was even covered. In the late 1970s, some Iranians began to talk about organizations for the rights of homosexuals, such as the Homosexual Liberation Movement. Until the 1979 revolution, there were nightclubs where homosexual behavior was tolerated. However, during the time of the Shah, homosexuality was taboo and no one could turn to their family or friends for guidance and support. There were no institutions to help confused youth or individuals who had questions about their sexuality and desires.

Jeanette Avari says that the 1979 revolution was triggered by a moral outrage towards the Shah regime, especially regarding a court-ordered fake same-sex marriage between two young men.

The religious regime that was established after the 1979 revolution put transgender individuals on the same level as homosexuals, who were subject to punishment such as flogging and even execution. In 1986, transgender individuals were redefined as being part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Homosexuality or same-sex relations between men is a crime in certain circumstances, punishable by death for both partners. If the participants in this crime are of sound mind and have consented to it, the method of execution will be determined by the court. If one of the participants has been involved without consent, the punishment will only apply to the perpetrator. If a minor has engaged in this act, the punishment will be 74 lashes.

The punishment for sexual intercourse between two women, if both parties are mentally sound, mature, and consenting, is 100 lashes. After the fourth time of engaging in sexual intercourse, the punishment for the individual will be death.

The UNHCR, Iran Country Report, 7th European Country of Origin Information Seminar was held in Berlin on June 11-12, 2001. The final report includes information on transsexual individuals, which can be found on page 104.

Safra Project Country Information Report Iran.

“Search for the Iran Human Rights Memorial, Omid – Boroumand Foundation for Human Rights in Iran”

“Search for Memorial – ABF Iran
http://www.abfiran.org/english/memorial-search.php?do_search=Search&charges=1778515990&pagenum=0”

بازیابی شده در ۲۲ اکتبر ۲۰۱۰.

Retrieved on October 22, 2010.