Living under constant fear for being who you are is a reality many of us face in the United Arab Emirates. As an individual who identifies as part of the LGBT community, I am constantly bullied at school and live with the terrifying knowledge that I could be jailed or even executed for expressing my true self. This is not just my story, but also that of countless others who are forced to hide their identities due to our country's laws.

The UAE currently criminalises homosexuality with severe penalties including imprisonment and death. This has resulted in fear by LGBT individuals, discrimination by people, and censorship online, on websites, such as blocking LGBT Websites. Furthermore, we are denied basic rights such as identifying as LGBT, marriage and gender change.

However, it is time for change, in recent years, countries around the world have made great progress in LGBT rights. The UAE should not lag behind in this global movement towards equality.

We call upon our government to decriminalise homosexuality; grant us freedom to express our identity without fear; provide legal recognition for same-sex relationships; allow individuals to legally change their gender on official documents; and lift restrictions on all LGBT-related media online.

By signing this petition, you are helping pave the path for a better country, allowing people to live comfortablt regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity within the UAE. Together we can bring about a more inclusive society where everyone can live freely without fear.