I. Introduction: Living in Constant Fear
For LGBT individuals in Haiti, daily life is marked by fear, exclusion, and violence. Amid a society dominated by conservative religious norms and patriarchal traditions, LGBT Haitians endure targeted attacks, harassment, and systemic neglect by the state. Without legal protections or institutional safeguards, they are left vulnerable to abuse from both society and authorities. As a result, many LGBT Haitians see migration as their only means of survival and dignity.

II. Social Stigma and Exclusion
Deep-rooted stigma against LGBT identities permeates Haitian society. Homosexuality and gender non-conformity are widely rejected, often framed as immoral or contrary to religious teachings. This prejudice results in exclusion from families, communities, workplaces, and schools, isolating LGBT individuals and pushing many into poverty.

III. Violence and Harassment
LGBT Haitians face frequent harassment, verbal abuse, and physical attacks. Incidents range from assaults in public spaces to targeted attacks in homes and workplaces. These acts of violence often go unreported due to fear of retaliation or lack of trust in the police, leaving aggressors unpunished.

IV. Vulnerability of Transgender Haitians
Transgender Haitians are among the most vulnerable to violence. They face harassment in public spaces, denial of healthcare, and exclusion from formal employment. Transgender sex workers, one of the few economic options available, are particularly at risk, experiencing brutal violence from clients, gangs, and even authorities.

V. Lack of Legal Protections
Haiti lacks comprehensive legal protections for LGBT people. There are no anti-discrimination laws covering sexual orientation or gender identity, and hate crimes against LGBT individuals are rarely investigated. This absence of protection fosters a culture of impunity, enabling violence and exclusion to continue unchecked.

VI. Role of Religion in Persecution
Religious conservatism plays a central role in perpetuating hostility toward LGBT communities. Both Catholic and evangelical leaders often denounce LGBT identities as sinful, legitimising societal prejudice. These teachings embolden discrimination and make advocacy for LGBT rights particularly dangerous.

VII. Police Harassment and State Neglect
Far from offering protection, the Haitian police are often perpetrators of harassment and abuse. LGBT individuals report being mocked, assaulted, or arbitrarily detained by security forces. This state neglect and hostility leave LGBT Haitians with no safe recourse to justice.

VIII. Attacks on LGBT Activists
Activists who advocate for LGBT rights face heightened risks, including death threats, assaults, and assassinations. Their visibility makes them targets for both gangs and religious groups, forcing many into hiding or exile. The silencing of activists weakens community networks and reduces the capacity to demand change.

IX. Intersectional Discrimination
LGBT Haitians who also belong to minority ethnic or religious groups face compounded risks. They endure layered discrimination, with overlapping vulnerabilities that further limit access to safety and opportunity. This intersectionality highlights the profound exclusion they experience.

X. Migration as a Necessity
For many LGBT Haitians, migration is not a choice but a matter of survival. They seek asylum in the United States, Canada, and Europe, citing persecution and lack of state protection. While exile provides safety, it often comes with separation from family and community, deepening the trauma of displacement.

XI. Diaspora Advocacy
Haitian LGBT diaspora communities play a vital role in advocating for protections and supporting new arrivals. They raise awareness of violence in Haiti, provide networks of solidarity, and lobby international actors for stronger asylum protections. This transnational advocacy ensures that the plight of LGBT Haitians is not forgotten.

XII. Conclusion: Survival Against All Odds
LGBT Haitians face relentless attacks, discrimination, and abandonment by the state. Without legal protections or societal acceptance, they are forced to navigate a life of fear and exclusion. For many, migration becomes the only viable path to dignity and safety. Until Haiti embraces inclusivity and justice, LGBT citizens will remain among the most vulnerable, compelled to flee in search of survival abroad.