Introduction: Living Under Constant Threat
In Azerbaijan, LGBT citizens endure systemic harassment, violence, and discrimination, much of it perpetrated or tolerated by state authorities. Police harassment is particularly widespread, with reports of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and abuse. While homosexuality was decriminalised in 2000, deep-rooted homophobia within society and government institutions ensures that LGBT individuals continue to live in fear. For many, migration remains the only means of escaping persecution and seeking dignity abroad.


Historical and Social Context
Azerbaijani society remains deeply conservative, with traditional values shaping attitudes toward sexuality and gender identity. Despite the decriminalisation of same-sex relations, public discourse continues to stigmatise LGBT citizens, often framing them as threats to morality and national identity. This entrenched prejudice creates an environment where state-sanctioned harassment is both tolerated and encouraged.


Police Harassment and Arbitrary Arrests
Police harassment is a defining feature of life for many LGBT citizens in Azerbaijan. Reports describe arbitrary arrests during raids on private gatherings, bars, or safe spaces frequented by LGBT people. Victims often face verbal abuse, humiliation, and even physical violence while in custody. Such harassment fosters a climate of fear and discourages individuals from living openly.


Blackmail and Extortion by Authorities
In addition to harassment, police frequently engage in blackmail and extortion of LGBT individuals. Threatening to expose their sexual orientation to families or employers, officers demand money or coerced cooperation. This exploitation leaves LGBT citizens vulnerable to cycles of abuse and financial insecurity.


Raids and Public Shaming
Raids on LGBT-friendly spaces are often accompanied by public shaming. Detainees are sometimes forced to undergo humiliating medical examinations or are paraded in the media as criminals. This public exposure not only endangers individuals’ safety but also isolates them from families and communities.


Lack of Legal Protections
Although Azerbaijan has anti-discrimination provisions in its constitution, there are no specific protections for LGBT citizens. Courts and law enforcement agencies routinely dismiss complaints of violence or harassment, leaving victims with no recourse to justice. This absence of accountability reinforces impunity for perpetrators and deepens mistrust in state institutions.


Violence and Social Hostility
Beyond police harassment, LGBT citizens frequently experience violence and hostility in their communities. Attacks by ultra-nationalist groups, bullying in schools, and workplace discrimination are widespread. Victims are often reluctant to report these crimes, fearing further abuse from police or exposure to their families.


Impact on Mental Health
The constant threat of harassment and violence takes a heavy toll on the mental health of LGBT Azerbaijanis. High rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are reported within the community. The lack of accessible and supportive healthcare services exacerbates these challenges, leaving individuals isolated and vulnerable.


Civil Society and LGBT Advocacy
LGBT advocacy groups exist in Azerbaijan but operate under constant threat of closure or harassment. Activists report surveillance, raids, and smear campaigns aimed at silencing their work. Despite these challenges, civil society continues to provide critical support networks, legal aid, and safe spaces for LGBT citizens.


Migration as a Lifeline
For many LGBT Azerbaijanis, migration becomes the only path to safety and dignity. Exile allows them to live openly without fear of harassment or violence. Diaspora communities abroad provide platforms for continued advocacy, ensuring that the plight of LGBT Azerbaijanis remains visible internationally.


International Reactions
Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch and ILGA-Europe, consistently rank Azerbaijan among the worst countries in Europe for LGBT rights. International bodies have urged reforms, but domestic resistance and entrenched homophobia have hindered progress. This lack of accountability ensures that abuses continue with impunity.


Conclusion: Safety in Exile, Silence at Home
In Azerbaijan, LGBT citizens face relentless harassment from police and hostility from society, forcing many to conceal their identities or flee abroad. Until the government enforces protections and dismantles systemic discrimination, migration will remain both a lifeline and a stark reminder of the country’s failure to safeguard all its citizens.