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{{Short description|Syrian LGBT activist (born 1998)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Unreliable sources|date=October 2021}}
{{Peacock|date=October 2021}}
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
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{{Short description|Syrian LGBT activist (born 1998)}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Abdulrahman Akkad
| name = Abdulrahman Akkad
| image = Akkad at CSD Pride in Cologne 2019.jpg
| image = Abdulrahman Akkad 2022.jpg
| alt = Abdulrahman Akkad
| alt = Abdulrahman Akkad
| caption = Akkad in 2019
| caption = Akkad in 2022
| native_name = عبدالرحمن عقاد
| native_name = عبدالرحمن عقاد
| native_name_lang = ar
| native_name_lang = ar
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1998|05|17}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1998|05|17}}
| birth_place = [[Aleppo]], Syria
| birth_place = [[Aleppo]], Syria
| citizenship = [[Syrian]]
| education =
| education =
| occupation = Freelancer, [[YouTuber]], Political activist
| occupation = {{hlist|Freelancer|public speaker|human rights activist|[[YouTuber]]|Political activist }}
| years_active = 2017–present
| years_active = 2017–present
| known_for = [[LGBT]] and human rights activism
| known_for = [[LGBTQ]] and human rights activism
| movement =
| movement =
| family =
| family =
| website =
| website =
}}
}}
'''Abdulrahman Akkad''' ([[Arabic]]: '''عبدالرحمن عقاد;''' born in [[Aleppo]] on May 17, 1998) is a [[Syrians|Syrian]] gay political [[Blogger (service)|blogger]]<ref>{{Citation|last=[[France 24]]|title=...مـجـتمع الـميم/عين.. مــيــم تصرخ أنا مثلــكــم وعــي|date=September 2, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DoZf2xDlzI|language=ar|access-date=September 5, 2021}}</ref> and [[human rights defender]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Mannschaft magazine|date=December 28, 2020|title=Geflüchteter Youtuber betreibt LGBTIQ-Aufklärung auf Arabisch|url=https://mannschaft.com/gefluechteter-youtuber-macht-lgbtiq-aufklaerung-auf-arabisch/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=mannschaft.com|language=de-DE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=[[France 24]]|date=September 3, 2021|title=في فلك الممنوع – مـجتـمع الـميم/عين.. مــيــم تصرخ أنا مثلــكــم وعــيــن تعـجـب من عنفكم!|url=https://www.france24.com/ar/%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%AC/%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%84%D9%83-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%85%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B9/20210903-%D9%85%D9%80%D8%AC%D9%80%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%80%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%80%D9%80%D9%8A%D9%80%D9%80%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%AE-%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%80%D9%80%D9%83%D9%80%D9%80%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%B9%D9%80%D9%80%D9%8A%D9%80%D9%80%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%80%D8%AC%D9%80%D8%A8-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%81%D9%83%D9%85|url-status=live|access-date=September 5, 2021|website=france24.com|language=ar}}</ref> He currently resides in [[Berlin]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=[[David Berger (theologian)]]|date=November 21, 2019|title=Abdulrahman Akkad: Er floh aus Syrien, kritisierte den Islam und wird nun in Deutschland zensiert|url=https://philosophia-perennis.com/2019/11/21/abdulrahman-akkad-er-floh-aus-syrien-kritisierte-den-islam-und-wird-nun-in-deutschland-zensiert/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=philosophia-perennis.com|language=de-DE}}</ref>
'''Abdulrahman Akkad''' ([[Arabic]]: عبدالرحمن عقاد) is a [[Syrians|Syrian]] political [[blogger]],<ref>{{Citation|last=[[France 24]]|title=...مـجـتمع الـميم/عين.. مــيــم تصرخ أنا مثلــكــم وعــي|date=September 2, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DoZf2xDlzI|language=ar|access-date=September 5, 2021}}</ref> [[Public speaking|public speaker]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-30 |title=بي بي سي اكسترا |url=https://www.bbc.com/arabic/bbc_arabic_radio/w172yn7y3dv37yt |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=[[BBC News Arabic]] |language=ar}}</ref> and [[human rights defender|human rights activist]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[France 24]]|date=September 3, 2021|title=في فلك الممنوع – مـجتـمع الـميم/عين.. مــيــم تصرخ أنا مثلــكــم وعــيــن تعـجـب من عنفكم!|url=https://www.france24.com/ar/%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%AC/%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%84%D9%83-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%85%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B9/20210903-%D9%85%D9%80%D8%AC%D9%80%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%80%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%80%D9%80%D9%8A%D9%80%D9%80%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%AE-%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%80%D9%80%D9%83%D9%80%D9%80%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%B9%D9%80%D9%80%D9%8A%D9%80%D9%80%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%80%D8%AC%D9%80%D8%A8-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%81%D9%83%D9%85|access-date=September 5, 2021|website=france24.com|language=ar}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=[[David Berger (theologian)]]|date=November 21, 2019|title=Abdulrahman Akkad: Er floh aus Syrien, kritisierte den Islam und wird nun in Deutschland zensiert|url=https://philosophia-perennis.com/2019/11/21/abdulrahman-akkad-er-floh-aus-syrien-kritisierte-den-islam-und-wird-nun-in-deutschland-zensiert/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=philosophia-perennis.com|language=de-DE}}</ref> He currently resides in [[Berlin]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Mannschaft magazine|date=December 28, 2020|title=Geflüchteter Youtuber betreibt LGBTIQ-Aufklärung auf Arabisch|url=https://mannschaft.com/gefluechteter-youtuber-macht-lgbtiq-aufklaerung-auf-arabisch/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=mannschaft.com|language=de-DE}}</ref>


== Biography ==
He is one of The deceived and deluded youth in the West, and that what they do is a normal thing, and those who say they are far from Sharia and religion, around which everything is supposed to revolve, and let's delete it references .I hate u


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=== Early life and education ===
I dHe misleads young people and goes to gayness and shows them that it is a normal thing and that he was born like this and that only science has let him down and the end of this nonsense and this is not proven neither in religion nor modern science
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Akkad was born in Aleppo to [[Syrians|Syrian]] [[Muslims|Muslim]] parents.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Jaafar Abdul Karim]]|date=February 17, 2019|title=اسم أمي ليس عيبا، أريد أن أنسب إلى أمي كذلك!|url=https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdw.jaafartalk%2Fvideos%2F370727923653366%2F|access-date=October 23, 2021|website=[[Deutsche Welle]]|language=ar}}</ref> His family is descended from [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardic Jews]] who later converted to Islam.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=U. N. O. Flüchtlingshilfe|date=July 15, 2020|title="Ich dachte, dass ich ein Mensch sei, der das Leben nicht verdient."|url=https://www.uno-fluechtlingshilfe.de/informieren/aktuelles/blog/artikel/ich-dachte-dass-ich-ein-mensch-sei-der-das-leben-nicht-verdient|access-date=July 15, 2021|website=uno-fluechtlingshilfe.de|language=de-DE}}</ref> He has three brothers and a sister.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}


In 2010, Akkad graduated from [[Dhat Al-Sawari Primary]] with a primary degree. Three years later in 2013, just before leaving Syria, Akkad graduated from [[Abdulwahab Al-Shawaf Junior High]] with a middle school diploma. However, Akkad was unable to continue his education after leaving Syria in 2013.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}
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== Early life and education ==


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With the escalation of events surrounding the [[Syrian civil war]], Akkad and his family were forced to leave Syria in July 2013.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Christian Schneider|date=September 26, 2019|title=AVE #281: Abdulrahman Akkad|url=https://xsxm.de/ave-281-abdulrahman-akkad/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=xsxm.de|language=de-DE}}</ref>
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Akkad was born in 1998 in the city of [[Aleppo]] in northern Syria to Syrian Muslim parents of Jewish origin, his mother's name is "Manal Akkad"<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Jaafar Abdul Karim]]|first=|date=February 17, 2019|title=اسم أمي ليس عيبا، أريد أن أنسب إلى أمي كذلك!|url=https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdw.jaafartalk%2Fvideos%2F370727923653366%2F|url-status=live|archive-date=October 23, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021|website=[[Deutsche Welle]]|language=ar}}</ref> his family is descended from [[Sephardi Jews]] who later converted to Islam.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=U. N. O. Flüchtlingshilfe|first=|date=July 15, 2020|title="Ich dachte, dass ich ein Mensch sei, der das Leben nicht verdient."|url=https://www.uno-fluechtlingshilfe.de/informieren/aktuelles/blog/artikel/ich-dachte-dass-ich-ein-mensch-sei-der-das-leben-nicht-verdient|url-status=live|access-date=July 15, 2021|website=uno-fluechtlingshilfe.de|language=de-DE}}</ref> Akkad has three brothers and a sister,<ref>{{Citation|last=Podcast Deutsch-Arabisch بودكاست عربي-ألماني|title=#34 أنا مثلي جنسي مع عبد الرحمن عقاد{{!}} المثلية الجنسية{{!}}نظرة المجتمع العربي للمثلية{{!}}|date=November 29, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiiPbd8mHko|language=ar|access-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref> Akkad has only finished his intermediate education. In 2010, Akkad graduated from [[Dhat Al-Sawari Primary|''Dhat Al-Sawari'' Primary]] with a primary degree, and after three years in 2013, just before leaving Syria, Akkad graduated from [[Abdulwahab Al-Shawaf Junior High]] with a middle school diploma. However, Akkad was unable to further continue his education after leaving Syria in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 18, 2020|title=عبد الرحمن عقاد|url=https://dakhiloutsider.com/post/abdulrahman-akkad/|url-status=live|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=dakhiloutsider.com|language=ar}}</ref>


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=== Time spent in Turkey ===
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With the escalation of events and the [[Syrian civil war]], Akkad and his family were forced to leave Syria in July 2013.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Christian Schneider|date=September 26, 2019|title=AVE #281: Abdulrahman Akkad|url=https://xsxm.de/ave-281-abdulrahman-akkad/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=xsxm.de|language=de-DE}}</ref>
Akkad and his family migrated to [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]] in July 2013. He speaks Turkish fluently and worked as a translator in call center companies in the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radio Souriali – سوريالي |date=August 1, 2017 |title=Homosexuals threatened despite obtaining asylum |url=https://soundcloud.com/souriali/tic124-240817 |access-date=October 24, 2021 |website=souriali.com |language=ar}}</ref> In the summer of 2015, Akkad's father travelled to Germany illegally, hoping to later bring the rest of the family with him through [[family reunification]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}


While living in Turkey, Akkad discovered his [[sexual orientation]]. He grew to hate himself and attempted suicide several times. He went to a psychological counselor who provided him with support and helped him accept himself.<ref name=":1" /> He tried to obtain a [[humanitarian visa]] from the [[Consulate General of Switzerland, Istanbul|Swiss Consulate in Istanbul]] but was refused.<ref name=":0" />
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== Turkey ==
Akkad entered Turkey with his Family in July 2013 and lived in [[Istanbul]], he worked as a translator in call center companies in the city, and he speaks Turkish fluently.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Radio Souriali – سوريالي|first=|date=August 1, 2017|title=Homosexuals threatened despite obtaining asylum|url=https://soundcloud.com/souriali/tic124-240817|url-status=live|access-date=October 24, 2021|website=souriali.com|language=ar}}</ref> his father traveled to Germany illegally in the summer of 2015 and Akkad and his family were waiting his father to apply for [[family reunion]] for them later, Akkad discovered his [[sexual orientation]]. He later hated himself and tried to commit suicide several times. He went to a psychological counselor who provided him with support and helped him accept himself.<ref name=":1" /> He tried to obtain a [[humanitarian visa]] from the [[Consulate General of Switzerland, Istanbul|Swiss Consulate in Istanbul]] but was refused.<ref name=":0" /> Akkad decided to stay in Turkey and told his family about his sexual orientation and thought that they would accept and love him as he is. His family accused him of being sick and in need of treatment. He was taken to a doctor in Turkey who conducted an anal examination, sexually harassed him, and wrote him [[testosterone]]. He took several doses of the hormone and later refused to take more because it caused him depression and tension.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alqabda magazine|first=|date=July 28, 2021|title=مثليو سوريا.. عبد الرحمن العقاد نموذجاً|url=https://www.alqabda.net/مثليو-سوريا-عبد-الرحمن-العقاد-نموذجاً/|url-status=live|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=alqabda.net|language=ar}}</ref> His older brother beat and locked him up in a room for two months where he did not see sunlight.<ref name=":2" /> He was abused and threatened with death by his brother, sister's husband and cousins. He later managed to convince them that he was no longer [[Gay men|gay]] and took his [[Syrian passport|passport]] and $200 and ran away from the house to a friend's house.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Funk (service)]]|title=Schwul & geflüchtet: Der Hass verfolgt ihn bis nach Deutschland {{!}} reporter|url=https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffunk%2Fvideos%2F708960470010781%2F|url-status=live|access-date=October 16, 2021|website=|language=de-DE}}</ref>


Eventually, Akkad decided to tell his family about his sexual orientation, believing that they would accept and love him as he is. However, his family said he was sick and in need of treatment. They took him to a doctor in Turkey who conducted an anal examination, sexually harassed him, and wrote him a prescription for [[testosterone]].<ref>{{Citation |last=[[BBC News Arabic]] |title=بي بي سي إكسترا: "كيف تتعامل مع طفلك إذا أعلن عن مثليته" |url=https://soundcloud.com/bbc-arabic/1pwvhcpluzc0 |access-date=2022-07-01 |language=ar}}</ref> Akkad took several doses of the hormone but later refused to take more because it caused him [[Depression (mood)|depression]] and tension.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alqabda magazine |date=July 28, 2021 |title=مثليو سوريا.. عبد الرحمن العقاد نموذجاً |url=https://www.alqabda.net/%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D9%86%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B0%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%8B/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803091802/https://www.alqabda.net/%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D9%86%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B0%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%8B/ |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |access-date=August 3, 2021 |website=alqabda.net |language=ar}}</ref> His older brother beat and locked him up in a room for two months where he did not see sunlight.<ref name=":2" /> His cousins and sister's husband abused him and threatened him with death. Akkad later managed to convince them that he was no longer [[Gay men|gay]], later running away to a friend's house with his passport and $200.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[[Funk (service)]] |title=Schwul & geflüchtet: Der Hass verfolgt ihn bis nach Deutschland {{!}} reporter |url=https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffunk%2Fvideos%2F708960470010781%2F |access-date=October 16, 2021 |website=[[Facebook]] |language=de-DE}}</ref>
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== Asylum ==
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His friend suggested that he should travel to Europe because the situation in Turkey is dangerous for him, especially that [[Akkad family|Akkad's family]] has influence in Turkey and because the Turkish authorities will not protect him from the oppression of this family, and indeed Akkad traveled illegally to Greece at the end of November 2015 and his friend covered his travel costs.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Bayerischer Rundfunk]]|first=|date=June 9, 2021|title=Queer Refugees – wie geht es geflüchteten LGBTIQ* in Deutschland? – Willkommen im Club – der LGBTIQ*-Podcast von PULS|url=https://www.br.de/mediathek/podcast/willkommen-im-club-der-lgbtiq-podcast-von-puls/queer-refugees-wie-geht-es-gefluechteten-lgbtiq-in-deutschland/1828590|url-status=live|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=br.de|language=de}}</ref>


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=== Asylum in Europe ===
Akkad traveled illegally to Greece by sea, and then traveled to [[Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedonia]], [[Serbia]], [[Croatia]], [[Slovenia]], and Austria until he arrived in Germany on December 5, 2015, where he applied for [[Asylum seeker|asylum]] based on his sexual orientation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Deutsche Welle]]|date=July 26, 2020|title=DW Arabic: An exclusive interview with a gay Syrian refugee and his story of suffering|url=https://www.facebook.com/dw.arabic/videos/878965502594214/|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021|website=[[Deutsche Welle]]|language=ar}}</ref>
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Akkad's friend suggested that he travel to Europe, because the Turkish authorities would not protect him from abuse by his family, who are influential in Turkey. He traveled illegally by sea to Greece at the end of November 2015. His friend covered his travel costs.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Bayerischer Rundfunk]]|date=June 9, 2021|title=Queer Refugees – wie geht es geflüchteten LGBTIQ* in Deutschland? – Willkommen im Club – der LGBTIQ*-Podcast von PULS|url=https://www.br.de/mediathek/podcast/willkommen-im-club-der-lgbtiq-podcast-von-puls/queer-refugees-wie-geht-es-gefluechteten-lgbtiq-in-deutschland/1828590|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=br.de|language=de}}</ref> Akkad travelled through [[Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedonia]], [[Serbia]], [[Croatia]], [[Slovenia]], and [[Austria]] until he arrived in [[Germany]] on December 5, 2015, where he applied for [[Asylum seeker|asylum]] based on his sexual orientation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Deutsche Welle]]|date=July 26, 2020|title=DW Arabic: An exclusive interview with a gay Syrian refugee and his story of suffering|url=https://www.facebook.com/dw.arabic/videos/878965502594214/|access-date=October 17, 2021|website=[[Deutsche Welle]]|language=ar}}</ref> He was granted asylum in 2016, though his asylum procedure was delayed because he was a minor at the time.<ref name=":1" />


Akkad was granted asylum in 2016 and his asylum procedure was delayed because he was a minor at the time<ref name=":1" />
Akkad was bullied, insulted and threatened with death by Arabs and Muslims in Germany.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" />


== Coming out ==
== Coming out ==
In 2017, before Akkad came out he agreed to be engaged to a girl from the family because of the pressure his family had put on him, His mother told him that his sexual orientation would change after he married. Within a few months the matter became serious and the wedding was to be held in Istanbul.<ref name=":2" /> In the end, he decided to post a live Video on Facebook,<ref name=":8">{{Citation|title=أنا #مثلي_جنسياً|date=July 24, 2017|url=https://www.facebook.com/abodyakkad98/videos/256233848213467|pages=|language=ar|access-date=September 5, 2021}}</ref> in which he announced his sexual orientation. The video was directed to his family only, but the video was withdrawn and published on many Arab pages and groups, The video garnered hundreds of thousands of views within a week.<ref name=":0" />
In 2017, before Akkad came out he agreed to be engaged to a girl from the family because of the pressure his family had put on him. His mother told him that his sexual orientation would change after he married. Within a few months the matter became serious and the wedding was to be held in Istanbul.<ref name=":2" /> In the end, he decided to post a live video on Facebook,<ref name=":8">{{Citation|title=أنا #مثلي_جنسياً|date=July 24, 2017|url=https://www.facebook.com/abodyakkad98/videos/256233848213467|pages=|language=ar|access-date=September 5, 2021}}</ref> in which he announced his sexual orientation. The video was directed to his family only, but the video was withdrawn and published on many Arab pages and groups. The video garnered hundreds of thousands of views within a week.<ref name=":0" />

Akkad was bullied, insulted and threatened with death by Arabs and Muslims in Germany.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" />


On July 24, 2017, Akkad streamed a live video on Facebook,<ref name=":8" /> coming out as gay after fearing that his family would have had forced him to marry a woman against his will.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=[[Bayerischer Rundfunk]]|first=|date=September 24, 2021|title=How to Coming-Out – diese Tipps können euch beim Coming-Out helfen – Willkommen im Club – der LGBTIQ*-Podcast von PULS|url=https://www.br.de/mediathek/podcast/willkommen-im-club-der-lgbtiq-podcast-von-puls/how-to-coming-out-diese-tipps-koennen-euch-beim-coming-out-helfen/1818917|url-status=live|access-date=May 24, 2021|website=br.de|language=de}}</ref> The video was shared on various Arab social channels, as it was the first ever occurrence of a gay Syrian man publicly expressing his sexual orientation in a video with his real name and face.<ref>{{Citation|last=[[Funk (service)]]|title=Schwul & geflüchtet: LGBTQ-Youtuber riskiert sein Leben {{!}} reporter|date=December 16, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-L6fm2Wanw|language=de-DE|access-date=June 30, 2021}}</ref>
On July 24, 2017, Akkad streamed a live video on Facebook,<ref name=":8" /> coming out as gay after fearing that his family would have had forced him to marry a woman against his will.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=[[Bayerischer Rundfunk]]|date=September 24, 2021|title=How to Coming-Out – diese Tipps können euch beim Coming-Out helfen – Willkommen im Club – der LGBTIQ*-Podcast von PULS|url=https://www.br.de/mediathek/podcast/willkommen-im-club-der-lgbtiq-podcast-von-puls/how-to-coming-out-diese-tipps-koennen-euch-beim-coming-out-helfen/1818917|access-date=May 24, 2021|website=br.de|language=de}}</ref> The video was shared on various Arab social channels. It was possibly the first ever occurrence of a gay Syrian man publicly expressing his sexual orientation in a video with his real name and face.<ref>{{Citation|last=[[Funk (service)]]|title=Schwul & geflüchtet: LGBTQ-Youtuber riskiert sein Leben {{!}} reporter|date=December 16, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-L6fm2Wanw|language=de-DE|access-date=June 30, 2021}}</ref>


On July 24, 2020, Akkad shared a picture of him with his family, officially announcing their acceptance of his sexual orientation and that they love him unconditionally, also declaring victory over customs, traditions and society<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Step News Agency]]|date=July 25, 2020|title=شاهد{{!}} عبد الرحمن عقاد سوري مثلي جنسيًا يعلن انتصاره بتقبل أهله له.. تعرف عليه|url=https://stepagency-sy.net/2020/07/25/%d8%b9%d8%a8%d8%af-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b1%d8%ad%d9%85%d9%86-%d8%b9%d9%82%d8%a7%d8%af-%d8%b3%d9%88%d8%b1%d9%8a-%d9%85%d8%ab%d9%84%d9%8a-%d8%ac%d9%86%d8%b3%d9%8a%d9%8b%d8%a7/|url-status=live|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=stepagency-sy.net|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Raseef22]]|date=July 27, 2020|title=''الحبّ انتصر!''... شاب سوري مثليّ الجنس يُعلن تصالح والديه معه|url=https://raseef22.com/article/1079190-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%B3-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%87|url-status=live|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=raseef22.com|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=7al News|first=|date=July 25, 2020|title="After a war, to be or not to be" .. a Syrian family accepts its son from the LGBT community.|url=https://7al.net/2020/07/26/بعد-حرب-أكون-أو-لا-أكون-عائلة-سورية-ت/aber_mo/slide/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=7al.net|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=مفكر حر|first=|date=July 26, 2020|title=Dialogue with a gay Syrian refugee and his story of suffering.|url=https://mufakerhur.org/شاهد-حوار-مع-لاجئ-سوري-مثلي-وقصة-معانات/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=mufakerhur.org/|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=mufakerhur|date=July 26, 2021|title=An Aleppo family in Germany accepts their gay son and showers him with unlimited love.|url=https://mufakerhur.org/%d8%b9%d8%a7%d8%a6%d9%84%d8%a9-%d8%ad%d9%84%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%a8%d8%a3%d9%84%d9%85%d8%a7%d9%86%d9%8a%d8%a7-%d8%aa%d9%82%d8%a8%d9%84-%d8%a8%d8%a5%d8%a8%d9%86%d9%87%d8%a7-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%ab/?fbclid=IwAR1RxQdW3WFlm3-ej72ZrgfOk7Jc4PeJ456FbjOxvaLQyNV1c8acEbcfmN8|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021|website=mufakerhur.org|language=ar}}</ref> This photo is also considered to be the first of its kind with an Arab family publicly accepting their gay son's sexual orientation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Awtan Post|date=July 26, 2020|title=Abdulrahman Akkad, a Syrian "Gay", declares his victory over society by accepting him.. Get to know him (video)|url=https://awtanpost.net/post/6973/عبد-الرحمن-عقاد-سوري-مثلي-جنسيًا/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=awtanpost.net|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Trending SYR|date=July 26, 2020|title=Syrian refugee Abdulrahman Akkad leads the trend in Germany.. What is his story?|url=https://trendingsy.com/2020/07/26/اللاجئ-السوري-عبد-الرحمن-عقاد-يتصدر-تر/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=trendingsy.com|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Alnatoor|date=July 27, 2020|title=The Akkad family of Aleppo.. The first Syrian family to reconcile with the issue of their "homosexual" son {{!}} Syria news {{!}} Alnatoor|url=https://alnatoor.com/عائلة-عقاد-الحلبية-أول-عائلة-سورية-تتصالح-مع-قضية-ابنها-المثلي-جنسيا|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=alnatoor.com|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hibr press|date=July 25, 2020|title=A gay Syrian young man raises controversy.. What is his family's position? {{!}} Hibrpress newspaper|url=https://hibrpress.com/شاب-سوري-شاذ-جنسياً-يثير-الجدل-ما/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=hibrpress.com|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=[[Orient News]]|title=شاب سوري يعلن عن ميوله المثلية في المانيا ويثير ردود فعل غاضبة – FollowUp|date=July 27, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au-XYNPYwC0|language=ar|access-date=June 30, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=[[Deutsche Welle]]|date=September 1, 2020|title=DW: a five year wait for acceptance after coming out.|url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&v=989361231511285&_rdr|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021|website=[[Deutsche Welle]]|language=en}}</ref>
On July 24, 2020, Akkad shared a picture of him with his family, officially announcing their acceptance of his sexual orientation and that they love him unconditionally, also declaring victory over customs, traditions and society.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Step News Agency |date=July 25, 2020 |title=شاهد{{!}} عبد الرحمن عقاد سوري مثلي جنسيًا يعلن انتصاره بتقبل أهله له.. تعرف عليه |url=https://stepagency-sy.net/2020/07/25/%d8%b9%d8%a8%d8%af-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b1%d8%ad%d9%85%d9%86-%d8%b9%d9%82%d8%a7%d8%af-%d8%b3%d9%88%d8%b1%d9%8a-%d9%85%d8%ab%d9%84%d9%8a-%d8%ac%d9%86%d8%b3%d9%8a%d9%8b%d8%a7/ |access-date=August 25, 2020 |website=stepagency-sy.net |language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Raseef22]]|date=July 27, 2020|title=''الحبّ انتصر!''... شاب سوري مثليّ الجنس يُعلن تصالح والديه معه|url=https://raseef22.com/article/1079190-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%B3-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%87|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=raseef22.com|language=ar}}</ref> This photo is also considered to be the first of its kind with an Arab family publicly accepting their gay son's sexual orientation.<ref>{{Citation|last=[[Orient News]]|title=شاب سوري يعلن عن ميوله المثلية في المانيا ويثير ردود فعل غاضبة – FollowUp|date=July 27, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au-XYNPYwC0|language=ar|access-date=June 30, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=[[Deutsche Welle]]|date=September 1, 2020|title=DW: a five year wait for acceptance after coming out.|url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&v=989361231511285&_rdr|access-date=October 17, 2021|website=[[Deutsche Welle]]|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Akkad and his family 2020.jpg|thumb|Akkad and his Parents (2020)]]
[[File:Akkad and his family 2020.jpg|thumb|Akkad and his parents (2020)]]


== Activism in Germany ==
== Activism in Germany ==
⚫
Akkad is an openly gay activist in the [[MENA]] region specially in Syria<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-03 |title=عبد الرحمن {{!}} مواطن سوري |url=https://podcast.enabbaladi.net/archives/3540 |access-date=2022-01-08 |website=Enab Baladi Podcast {{!}} عنب بلدي بودكاست |language=ar}}</ref> and the [[Funk (service)|German media]] described him as a "hated figure" in the [[Arab world]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=[[Funk (service)]] |date=December 28, 2020 |title=Flüchtling und Schwul |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CJWYO1tqTZO/ |access-date=October 28, 2021 |website= |language=de-DE}}</ref>
⚫
In subsequent years, Akkad has given many interviews to several media, primarily German and Arabic ones, about his experiences and his political opinions Especially on the situation of homosexuality and [[LGBT]] rights in the Middle East, Akkad gave his first interview to the famous German Newspaper ([[Bild]]) in Germany and said that he doesn't want to stay in Germany because of the threats he received.<ref name=":4" />


⚫
In subsequent years, Akkad has given many interviews to several media, primarily German and Arabic ones, about his experiences and his political opinions Especially on the situation of homosexuality and [[LGBTQ]] rights in the Middle East, Akkad gave his first interview to the famous German Newspaper ([[Bild]]) in Germany and said that he doesn't want to stay in Germany because of the threats he received.<ref name=":4" />
⚫
Akkad participated in the [[Me Too movement]] and admitted that he was sexually harassed and encouraged people to participate in the campaign and speak out.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 5, 2020|title=عبدالرحمن عقاد {{!}} #MeToo أول مرة بتعرض للتحرش الجنسي بعمر 6 سنوات من قبل الفرّان "بائع » شيربوست|url=https://sherepost.com/2020/09/05/%d8%b9%d8%a8%d8%af%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b1%d8%ad%d9%85%d9%86-%d8%b9%d9%82%d8%a7%d8%af-metoo-%d8%a3%d9%88%d9%84-%d9%85%d8%b1%d8%a9-%d8%a8%d8%aa%d8%b9%d8%b1%d8%b6-%d9%84%d9%84%d8%aa%d8%ad%d8%b1%d8%b4.html|url-status=live|access-date=August 15, 2021|website=sherepost.com|language=ar}}</ref>


⚫
Akkad participated in the [[Me Too movement]] and admitted that he was sexually harassed and encouraged people to participate in the campaign and speak out.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 5, 2020|title=عبدالرحمن عقاد {{!}} #MeToo أول مرة بتعرض للتحرش الجنسي بعمر 6 سنوات من قبل الفرّان "بائع » شيربوست|url=https://sherepost.com/2020/09/05/%d8%b9%d8%a8%d8%af%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b1%d8%ad%d9%85%d9%86-%d8%b9%d9%82%d8%a7%d8%af-metoo-%d8%a3%d9%88%d9%84-%d9%85%d8%b1%d8%a9-%d8%a8%d8%aa%d8%b9%d8%b1%d8%b6-%d9%84%d9%84%d8%aa%d8%ad%d8%b1%d8%b4.html|url-status=dead|access-date=August 15, 2021|website=sherepost.com|language=ar|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815125311/https://sherepost.com/2020/09/05/%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF-metoo-%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%B6-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%B4.html}}</ref>
⚫
Akkad worked with [[Atheist Refugee Relief]] Organization in Germany and helped many refugees<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Citation|last=[[Atheist Refugee Relief]]|title="Menschenrecht: Glaubens-Freiheit" – Säkulare Flüchtlingshilfe e.V.|date=March 30, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3cEu55RphU|language=de-DE|access-date=July 17, 2021}}</ref> and appeared with them at the [[Cologne Pride]] in 2019 wearing the [[Niqāb|Niqab]] to support women who are forced to wear it in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East.<ref name=":5" />


⚫
Akkad worked with [[Atheist Refugee Relief]] Organization in Germany and helped many refugees<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Citation|last=[[Atheist Refugee Relief]]|title="Menschenrecht: Glaubens-Freiheit" – Säkulare Flüchtlingshilfe e.V.|date=March 30, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3cEu55RphU|language=de-DE|access-date=July 17, 2021}}</ref> and appeared with them at the [[Cologne Pride]] in 2019 wearing the [[Niqāb|Niqab]] to support women who are forced to wear it in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East.<ref name=":5" />
⚫
Akkad posted a video wearing the [[Rainbow flag (LGBT)|Rainbow flag]] in front of a mosque in Germany in the [[Gay pride]] in 2020 and he Solidarity with Homosexuals in the Middle East and [[Muslim world|Islamic countries]], where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Turkey in Arabic|first=|date=July 27, 2020|title=Abdulrahman Akkad dancing in front of the mosque|url=https://arab-turkey.com/2020/07/27/%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%B3%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%B3-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84/|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021|website=arab-turkey.com|language=ar}}</ref>


⚫
Akkad posted a video wearing the [[Rainbow flag (LGBT)|Rainbow flag]] in front of a mosque in Germany in the [[Gay pride]] in 2020 and he Solidarity with Homosexuals in the Middle East and [[Muslim world|Islamic countries]], where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Turkey in Arabic|date=July 27, 2020|title=Abdulrahman Akkad dancing in front of the mosque|url=https://arab-turkey.com/2020/07/27/%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%B3%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%B3-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84/|access-date=October 17, 2021|website=arab-turkey.com|language=ar}}</ref>
== Career ==
⚫
Akkad is an openly gay activist in the [[MENA]] region specially in Syria<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-03|title=عبد الرحمن {{!}} مواطن سوري|url=https://podcast.enabbaladi.net/archives/3540|access-date=2022-01-08|website=Enab Baladi Podcast {{!}} عنب بلدي بودكاست|language=ar}}</ref> and The [[Funk (service)|German media]] described him as a "hated figure" in the [[Arab world]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Funk (service)]]|date=December 28, 2020|title=Flüchtling und Schwul|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CJWYO1tqTZO/|url-status=live|access-date=October 28, 2021|website=|language=de-DE}}</ref>


== Political views ==
== Political views ==
Akkad identifies as [[Secularism|secular]], supporting the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions. And as a former member of the [[Atheist Refugee Relief]] organization, Akkad aided many [[Atheism|Atheist]] & [[LGBT]]+ Middle Eastern refugees in Germany.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=[[Atheist Refugee Relief]]|date=April 4, 2019|title=Wohnsitzauflage gefährdet homosexuellen Geflüchteten – Atheist Refugee Relief|url=https://atheist-refugees.com/sonstiges/wohnsitzauflage-gefaehrdet-homosexuellen-gefluechteten/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=atheist-refugees.com|language=de-DE}}</ref>
Akkad identifies as [[Secularism|secular]], supporting the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions. And as a former member of the [[Atheist Refugee Relief]] organization, Akkad aided many [[Atheism|Atheist]] & [[LGBTQ]]+ Middle Eastern refugees in Germany.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=[[Atheist Refugee Relief]]|date=April 4, 2019|title=Wohnsitzauflage gefährdet homosexuellen Geflüchteten – Atheist Refugee Relief|url=https://atheist-refugees.com/sonstiges/wohnsitzauflage-gefaehrdet-homosexuellen-gefluechteten/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=atheist-refugees.com|language=de-DE}}</ref>


Akkad's story was mentioned during the federal government session of the [[Bundestag|Federal parliament of Germany]] for Human Rights in 2020<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Bundestag]]|date=May 5, 2021|title=Deutscher Bundestag – 14. Bericht der Bundesregierung über ihre Menschenrechtspolitik...|url=https://www.bundestag.de/ausschuesse/a17_menschenrechte/anhoerungen/837642-837642|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=bundestag.de|language=de-DE}}</ref> by German philosopher [[David Berger (theologian)|David Berger]] after [[Instagram]] banned his account because he was gay and the threats he was exposed to.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[David Berger (theologian)]]|first=|date=July 1, 2020|title=Islamophob? Instagram löscht Profil von atheistischem, homosexuellen Islamkritiker|url=https://philosophia-perennis.com/2020/07/01/islamophob-instagram-loescht-profil-von-atheistischem-homosexuellen-islamkritiker/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=philosophia-perennis.com|language=de-DE}}</ref>
Akkad's story was mentioned during the federal government session of the [[Bundestag|Federal parliament of Germany]] for Human Rights in 2020<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Bundestag]]|date=May 5, 2021|title=Deutscher Bundestag – 14. Bericht der Bundesregierung über ihre Menschenrechtspolitik...|url=https://www.bundestag.de/ausschuesse/a17_menschenrechte/anhoerungen/837642-837642|url-status=dead|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=bundestag.de|language=de-DE|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627233458/https://www.bundestag.de/ausschuesse/a17_menschenrechte/anhoerungen/837642-837642}}</ref> by German philosopher [[David Berger (theologian)|David Berger]] after [[Instagram]] banned his account because he was gay and the threats he was exposed to.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[David Berger (theologian)]]|date=July 1, 2020|title=Islamophob? Instagram löscht Profil von atheistischem, homosexuellen Islamkritiker|url=https://philosophia-perennis.com/2020/07/01/islamophob-instagram-loescht-profil-von-atheistischem-homosexuellen-islamkritiker/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=philosophia-perennis.com|language=de-DE}}</ref>


Akkad and his family have also been strong opponents of the Syrian regime, especially after Akkad's sister-in-law was shot and killed by a regime sniper in 2012, leading his brother to dissent from the army, and forcing his entire family to flee the country after severe pressure imposed by [[Bashar al-Assad|al-Assad]]'s authorities.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Daraj Media]]|first=|date=July 31, 2020|title=Daraj News: Abdulrahman Akkad The Syrian revolution and the rejection of homosexuals.|url=https://daraj.com/51352/|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=daraj.com|language=ar}}</ref>
Abdulrahman and his family have also been strong opponents of the Syrian regime, especially after Akkad's sister-in-law was shot and killed by a regime sniper in 2012, leading his brother to dissent from the army, and forcing his entire family to flee the country after severe pressure imposed by [[Bashar al-Assad|al-Assad]]'s authorities.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Daraj Media]]|date=July 31, 2020|title=Daraj News: Abdulrahman Akkad The Syrian revolution and the rejection of homosexuals.|url=https://daraj.com/51352/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=daraj.com|language=ar}}</ref>


⚫
He encouraged the deportation of refugees who did not integrate into German society and did not respect the law and the constitution.<ref name=":4" /> He supported the German government's decision to deport [[Syrian refugees]] who committed crimes to Syria and encouraged the deportation of supporters of the [[Bashar al-Assad|Syrian regime]].<ref name=":1" />
The Syrian writer and activist [[Sara Azmeh Rasmussen]] commented on Akkad's story and described him as a hero, and congratulated his family on this victory against society and their acceptance of their gay son.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 4, 2020|title=عبدالرحمن عقاد {{!}} حبيب قلبي البطل. الشباب اللي عرض الحيط بيضحكوا عليه لانه مخنث وناعم بتحدى » شيربوست|url=https://sherepost.com/2020/09/04/%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%AD%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A8-%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%A7.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 23, 2021|website=sherepost.com|language=ar}}</ref>

⚫
Akkad encouraged the deportation of refugees who did not integrate into German society and did not respect the law and the constitution.<ref name=":4" /> He supported the German government's decision to deport [[Syrian refugees]] who committed crimes to Syria and encouraged the deportation of supporters of the [[Bashar al-Assad|Syrian regime]].<ref name=":1" />


Akkad criticized the German government's policy in dealing with refugee and integration laws, and said that he was tired of neglecting the German police for not knowing how to deal with the threats he received from Arabs in Germany and Europe.<ref name=":7" />
Akkad criticized the German government's policy in dealing with refugee and integration laws, and said that he was tired of neglecting the German police for not knowing how to deal with the threats he received from Arabs in Germany and Europe.<ref name=":7" />


== Reception ==
Akkad spoke with "[[Schams El Ghoneimi]]" is a consultant in the [[European Parliament]] and familiar with the laws of [[LGBT rights in Europe|LGBT in Europe]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Renew Europe]]|title=Schams El Ghoneimi|url=https://www.reneweuropegroup.eu/who-we-are/staff/schams-el-ghoneimi|url-status=live|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=reneweuropegroup.eu|language=en}}</ref> about LGBT refugees in Europe and the harm he is exposed to in Germany.<ref name=":9">{{Citation|last=Podcast Deutsch-Arabisch بودكاست عربي-ألماني|title=عبد الرحمن عقاد عن المثلية الجنسية في أوروبا{{!}}هل أوروبا آمنة للمثليين؟{{!}}تجربة لجوء لمثلي جنسي|date=June 13, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-IGHe0no7s|language=ar|access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref>
⚫
There has been a long history of oppression and discrimination against the LGBT community in the Arab world through censorship, hate speech, and government-coordinated persecution. Akkad's story has been met with some supportive, but mostly homophobic responses through media coverage and public discourse. Akkad even started receiving death threats after coming out.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=[[Bild]]|date=February 1, 2020|title=Flüchtlinge: Angst vor anderen Flüchtlingen, weil sie sich für Frauen oder Schwule einsetzen|url=https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/politik/ausland/politik-ausland/fluechtlinge-angst-vor-anderen-fluechtlingen-weil-sie-sich-fuer-frauen-oder-schw-67527054.bild.html|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=bild.de|language=de-DE}}</ref>

== Book ==
Akkad announced his first book to be published soon in German.<ref name=":0" />

== Reactions ==
⚫
There has been a long history of oppression and discrimination against the LGBT community in the Arab world through censorship, hate speech, and government-coordinated persecution. Akkad's story has been met with some supportive, but mostly homophobic responses through media coverage and public discourse. Akkad even started receiving death threats after coming out.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=[[Bild]]|date=February 1, 2020|title=Flüchtlinge: Angst vor anderen Flüchtlingen, weil sie sich für Frauen oder Schwule einsetzen|url=https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/politik/ausland/politik-ausland/fluechtlinge-angst-vor-anderen-fluechtlingen-weil-sie-sich-fuer-frauen-oder-schw-67527054.bild.html|url-status=live|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=bild.de|language=de-DE}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Portal|LGBT|
}}
*[[LGBT rights in Syria]]
*[[LGBT rights in Syria]]
*[[LGBT rights in the Middle East]]
*[[LGBT rights in the Middle East]]
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== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
Akkad, Abdulrahman (May 5, 2021). [https://www.bundestag.de/resource/blob/840080/edc5d45509fa52d79b4e63b998daec89/Stellungnahme_Dr-Dr-David-Berger-data.pdf Bundestag] of [[David Berger (theologian)|David Berger]] 14th report of the [[Bundestag|German Federal Government]] on its human rights policy (reporting period October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2020)


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category-inline}}
{{Commons category-inline}}
*[http://www.abdulrahmanakkad.com Official Website] [https://web.archive.org/web/20210905100526/https://abdulrahmanakkad.com/ Archived] September 5, 2021 on [[Wayback Machine]]
*[http://www.abdulrahmanakkad.com Official Website] [https://web.archive.org/web/20210905100526/https://abdulrahmanakkad.com/ Archived] September 5, 2021 on [[Wayback Machine]]

* {{Instagram|id=abdulrahman.akkad|name=Abdulrahman Akkad's}}
* {{Instagram|id=abdulrahman.akkad|name=Abdulrahman Akkad's}}
* {{Twitter|id=Official_Akkad}}
* {{Twitter|id=Official_Akkad}}
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* {{YouTube|channel=UCBa_xCn8hDMA6iTcE8lPxtQ}}


{{Portal bar|LGBTQ|Biography|Society}}
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* {{YouTube|channel=UCBa_xCn8hDMA6iTcE8lPxtQ}}
{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Akkad, Abdulrahman}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Akkad, Abdulrahman}}
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[[Category:Syrian LGBTQ rights activists]]
[[Category:LGBT people from Syria]]
[[Category:Syrian gay men]]
[[Category:People from Aleppo]]
[[Category:People from Aleppo]]
[[Category:Syrian exiles]]
[[Category:Syrian exiles]]
[[Category:Syrian emigrants to Germany]]
[[Category:Syrian emigrants to Germany]]
[[Category:Gay men]]
[[Category:Syrian bloggers]]
[[Category:Syrian bloggers]]
[[Category:Syrian human rights activists]]
[[Category:Syrian human rights activists]]
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Latest revision as of 00:53, 24 September 2024

Abdulrahman Akkad
عبدالرحمن عقاد
Abdulrahman Akkad
Akkad in 2022
Born (1998-05-17) May 17, 1998 (age 26)
Aleppo, Syria
Occupations
  • Freelancer
  • public speaker
  • human rights activist
  • YouTuber
  • Political activist
Years active2017–present
Known forLGBTQ and human rights activism

Abdulrahman Akkad (Arabic: عبدالرحمن عقاد) is a Syrian political blogger,[1] public speaker[2] and human rights activist.[3][4] He currently resides in Berlin.[5]

Biography

[edit]

Early life and education

[edit]

Akkad was born in Aleppo to Syrian Muslim parents.[6] His family is descended from Sephardic Jews who later converted to Islam.[7] He has three brothers and a sister.[citation needed]

In 2010, Akkad graduated from Dhat Al-Sawari Primary with a primary degree. Three years later in 2013, just before leaving Syria, Akkad graduated from Abdulwahab Al-Shawaf Junior High with a middle school diploma. However, Akkad was unable to continue his education after leaving Syria in 2013.[citation needed]

With the escalation of events surrounding the Syrian civil war, Akkad and his family were forced to leave Syria in July 2013.[8]

Time spent in Turkey

[edit]

Akkad and his family migrated to Istanbul, Turkey in July 2013. He speaks Turkish fluently and worked as a translator in call center companies in the city.[9] In the summer of 2015, Akkad's father travelled to Germany illegally, hoping to later bring the rest of the family with him through family reunification.[citation needed]

While living in Turkey, Akkad discovered his sexual orientation. He grew to hate himself and attempted suicide several times. He went to a psychological counselor who provided him with support and helped him accept himself.[8] He tried to obtain a humanitarian visa from the Swiss Consulate in Istanbul but was refused.[7]

Eventually, Akkad decided to tell his family about his sexual orientation, believing that they would accept and love him as he is. However, his family said he was sick and in need of treatment. They took him to a doctor in Turkey who conducted an anal examination, sexually harassed him, and wrote him a prescription for testosterone.[10] Akkad took several doses of the hormone but later refused to take more because it caused him depression and tension.[11] His older brother beat and locked him up in a room for two months where he did not see sunlight.[12] His cousins and sister's husband abused him and threatened him with death. Akkad later managed to convince them that he was no longer gay, later running away to a friend's house with his passport and $200.[13]

Asylum in Europe

[edit]

Akkad's friend suggested that he travel to Europe, because the Turkish authorities would not protect him from abuse by his family, who are influential in Turkey. He traveled illegally by sea to Greece at the end of November 2015. His friend covered his travel costs.[14] Akkad travelled through Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria until he arrived in Germany on December 5, 2015, where he applied for asylum based on his sexual orientation.[15] He was granted asylum in 2016, though his asylum procedure was delayed because he was a minor at the time.[8]

Akkad was bullied, insulted and threatened with death by Arabs and Muslims in Germany.[16][5]

Coming out

[edit]

In 2017, before Akkad came out he agreed to be engaged to a girl from the family because of the pressure his family had put on him. His mother told him that his sexual orientation would change after he married. Within a few months the matter became serious and the wedding was to be held in Istanbul.[12] In the end, he decided to post a live video on Facebook,[17] in which he announced his sexual orientation. The video was directed to his family only, but the video was withdrawn and published on many Arab pages and groups. The video garnered hundreds of thousands of views within a week.[7]

On July 24, 2017, Akkad streamed a live video on Facebook,[17] coming out as gay after fearing that his family would have had forced him to marry a woman against his will.[12] The video was shared on various Arab social channels. It was possibly the first ever occurrence of a gay Syrian man publicly expressing his sexual orientation in a video with his real name and face.[18]

On July 24, 2020, Akkad shared a picture of him with his family, officially announcing their acceptance of his sexual orientation and that they love him unconditionally, also declaring victory over customs, traditions and society.[19][20] This photo is also considered to be the first of its kind with an Arab family publicly accepting their gay son's sexual orientation.[21][22]

Akkad and his parents (2020)

Activism in Germany

[edit]

Akkad is an openly gay activist in the MENA region specially in Syria[23] and the German media described him as a "hated figure" in the Arab world.[24]

In subsequent years, Akkad has given many interviews to several media, primarily German and Arabic ones, about his experiences and his political opinions Especially on the situation of homosexuality and LGBTQ rights in the Middle East, Akkad gave his first interview to the famous German Newspaper (Bild) in Germany and said that he doesn't want to stay in Germany because of the threats he received.[16]

Akkad participated in the Me Too movement and admitted that he was sexually harassed and encouraged people to participate in the campaign and speak out.[25]

Akkad worked with Atheist Refugee Relief Organization in Germany and helped many refugees[26][27] and appeared with them at the Cologne Pride in 2019 wearing the Niqab to support women who are forced to wear it in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East.[22]

Akkad posted a video wearing the Rainbow flag in front of a mosque in Germany in the Gay pride in 2020 and he Solidarity with Homosexuals in the Middle East and Islamic countries, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death.[28]

Political views

[edit]

Akkad identifies as secular, supporting the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions. And as a former member of the Atheist Refugee Relief organization, Akkad aided many Atheist & LGBTQ+ Middle Eastern refugees in Germany.[26]

Akkad's story was mentioned during the federal government session of the Federal parliament of Germany for Human Rights in 2020[29] by German philosopher David Berger after Instagram banned his account because he was gay and the threats he was exposed to.[30]

Abdulrahman and his family have also been strong opponents of the Syrian regime, especially after Akkad's sister-in-law was shot and killed by a regime sniper in 2012, leading his brother to dissent from the army, and forcing his entire family to flee the country after severe pressure imposed by al-Assad's authorities.[31]

He encouraged the deportation of refugees who did not integrate into German society and did not respect the law and the constitution.[16] He supported the German government's decision to deport Syrian refugees who committed crimes to Syria and encouraged the deportation of supporters of the Syrian regime.[8]

Akkad criticized the German government's policy in dealing with refugee and integration laws, and said that he was tired of neglecting the German police for not knowing how to deal with the threats he received from Arabs in Germany and Europe.[4]

Reception

[edit]

There has been a long history of oppression and discrimination against the LGBT community in the Arab world through censorship, hate speech, and government-coordinated persecution. Akkad's story has been met with some supportive, but mostly homophobic responses through media coverage and public discourse. Akkad even started receiving death threats after coming out.[16]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ France 24 (September 2, 2021), ...مـجـتمع الـميم/عين.. مــيــم تصرخ أنا مثلــكــم وعــي (in Arabic), retrieved September 5, 2021{{citation}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "بي بي سي اكسترا". BBC News Arabic (in Arabic). June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  3. ^ France 24 (September 3, 2021). "في فلك الممنوع – مـجتـمع الـميم/عين.. مــيــم تصرخ أنا مثلــكــم وعــيــن تعـجـب من عنفكم!". france24.com (in Arabic). Retrieved September 5, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ a b David Berger (theologian) (November 21, 2019). "Abdulrahman Akkad: Er floh aus Syrien, kritisierte den Islam und wird nun in Deutschland zensiert". philosophia-perennis.com (in German). Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Mannschaft magazine (December 28, 2020). "Geflüchteter Youtuber betreibt LGBTIQ-Aufklärung auf Arabisch". mannschaft.com (in German). Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  6. ^ Jaafar Abdul Karim (February 17, 2019). "اسم أمي ليس عيبا، أريد أن أنسب إلى أمي كذلك!". Deutsche Welle (in Arabic). Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c U. N. O. Flüchtlingshilfe (July 15, 2020). ""Ich dachte, dass ich ein Mensch sei, der das Leben nicht verdient."". uno-fluechtlingshilfe.de (in German). Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d Christian Schneider (September 26, 2019). "AVE #281: Abdulrahman Akkad". xsxm.de (in German). Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  9. ^ Radio Souriali – سوريالي (August 1, 2017). "Homosexuals threatened despite obtaining asylum". souriali.com (in Arabic). Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  10. ^ BBC News Arabic, بي بي سي إكسترا: "كيف تتعامل مع طفلك إذا أعلن عن مثليته" (in Arabic), retrieved July 1, 2022
  11. ^ Alqabda magazine (July 28, 2021). "مثليو سوريا.. عبد الرحمن العقاد نموذجاً". alqabda.net (in Arabic). Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  12. ^ a b c Bayerischer Rundfunk (September 24, 2021). "How to Coming-Out – diese Tipps können euch beim Coming-Out helfen – Willkommen im Club – der LGBTIQ*-Podcast von PULS". br.de (in German). Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  13. ^ Funk (service). "Schwul & geflüchtet: Der Hass verfolgt ihn bis nach Deutschland | reporter". Facebook (in German). Retrieved October 16, 2021.
  14. ^ Bayerischer Rundfunk (June 9, 2021). "Queer Refugees – wie geht es geflüchteten LGBTIQ* in Deutschland? – Willkommen im Club – der LGBTIQ*-Podcast von PULS". br.de (in German). Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  15. ^ Deutsche Welle (July 26, 2020). "DW Arabic: An exclusive interview with a gay Syrian refugee and his story of suffering". Deutsche Welle (in Arabic). Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  16. ^ a b c d Bild (February 1, 2020). "Flüchtlinge: Angst vor anderen Flüchtlingen, weil sie sich für Frauen oder Schwule einsetzen". bild.de (in German). Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  17. ^ a b أنا #مثلي_جنسياً (in Arabic), July 24, 2017, retrieved September 5, 2021
  18. ^ Funk (service) (December 16, 2020), Schwul & geflüchtet: LGBTQ-Youtuber riskiert sein Leben | reporter (in German), retrieved June 30, 2021
  19. ^ Step News Agency (July 25, 2020). "شاهد| عبد الرحمن عقاد سوري مثلي جنسيًا يعلن انتصاره بتقبل أهله له.. تعرف عليه". stepagency-sy.net (in Arabic). Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  20. ^ Raseef22 (July 27, 2020). "الحبّ انتصر!... شاب سوري مثليّ الجنس يُعلن تصالح والديه معه". raseef22.com (in Arabic). Retrieved August 25, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ Orient News (July 27, 2020), شاب سوري يعلن عن ميوله المثلية في المانيا ويثير ردود فعل غاضبة – FollowUp (in Arabic), retrieved June 30, 2021
  22. ^ a b Deutsche Welle (September 1, 2020). "DW: a five year wait for acceptance after coming out". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  23. ^ "عبد الرحمن | مواطن سوري". Enab Baladi Podcast | عنب بلدي بودكاست (in Arabic). January 3, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
  24. ^ Funk (service) (December 28, 2020). "Flüchtling und Schwul" (in German). Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  25. ^ "عبدالرحمن عقاد | #MeToo أول مرة بتعرض للتحرش الجنسي بعمر 6 سنوات من قبل الفرّان "بائع » شيربوست". sherepost.com (in Arabic). September 5, 2020. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  26. ^ a b Atheist Refugee Relief (April 4, 2019). "Wohnsitzauflage gefährdet homosexuellen Geflüchteten – Atheist Refugee Relief". atheist-refugees.com (in German). Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  27. ^ Atheist Refugee Relief (March 30, 2020), "Menschenrecht: Glaubens-Freiheit" – Säkulare Flüchtlingshilfe e.V. (in German), retrieved July 17, 2021
  28. ^ Turkey in Arabic (July 27, 2020). "Abdulrahman Akkad dancing in front of the mosque". arab-turkey.com (in Arabic). Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  29. ^ Bundestag (May 5, 2021). "Deutscher Bundestag – 14. Bericht der Bundesregierung über ihre Menschenrechtspolitik..." bundestag.de (in German). Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  30. ^ David Berger (theologian) (July 1, 2020). "Islamophob? Instagram löscht Profil von atheistischem, homosexuellen Islamkritiker". philosophia-perennis.com (in German). Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  31. ^ Daraj Media (July 31, 2020). "Daraj News: Abdulrahman Akkad The Syrian revolution and the rejection of homosexuals". daraj.com (in Arabic). Retrieved June 30, 2021.

Further reading

[edit]

Akkad, Abdulrahman (May 5, 2021). Bundestag of David Berger 14th report of the German Federal Government on its human rights policy (reporting period October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2020)

[edit]

Media related to Abdulrahman Akkad at Wikimedia Commons

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