Kuwait, Middle East

Kuwait is a constitutional emirate with a parliamentary system of government, with Kuwait City serving as the country’s political and economic capital. The country has the world’s fifth largest oil reserves. It is the eleventh richest country in the world per capita. In 2007, it had the highest human development index (HDI) in the Arab world. Despite its wealth and high standard of education, living openly as a homosexual carries dire consequences. In recent years, Kuwait has become more aware about homosexuality. The subject has been addressed more than once on television. Preachers condemn it as a big sin.   Posted Al Jahra Governorate, Kuwait.

Introduction by Richard Ammon GlobalGayz.com Photos, News & Reports for Gay Kuwait Cultural changes come about very slowly for gays in the Muslim Middle East. This story appeared several years ago in the Kuwait News; it is an unusual story since homosexuality is rarely discussed publicly, let alone published in a newspaper. (However this is an English language paper so relatively few locals would see it.) Not much has changed since this story posted in 2007. The vast majority of gay-oriented citizens follow society’s rules and get married, others find excuses not to marry (business, religion) and a lucky few find their way to the West where they can live more freely. But most only ever come out to a trusted friend or friends. Here, Bader, a young gay man bravely talks to journalist Hussain Al-Qatari in private about his life and feelings about being gay in modern Kuwait. by