1 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
A self-portrait of Ashkan (instructions were given). The photographer is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Ashkan was a closeted gay for almost 13 years until his parents found out and kicked him out of their home. Ashkan has been disowned by his family, and threatened with rape and death and he had to escape Iran for the safety of his life.
2 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
A portrait of Eli, Ashkan's partner (instructions were given). They met on social media as it’s the only place where homosexuals can be themself. Shortly after they fell in love, and the two have been in a relationship for over five years.
3 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
A portrait of Eli and Ashkan (instructions were given). They have been in a relationship for over five years and their families didn't know about their relationship until recently. Ashkan's father saw him holding his partner's hands in a park and then they kicked him out of their home and threatened to rape him until he dies.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF4045.jpg]()
4 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
Ashkan holding his partner's hand in a quiet place.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF4863.jpg]()
5 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
A portrait of Eli and Ashkan (instructions were given). They have been in a relationship for over five years and their families didn't know about their relationship until recently. Ashkan's father saw him holding his partner's hands in a park and then they kicked him out of their home and threatened to rape him until he dies.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF5662.jpg]()
6 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
The shadows of Eli and Ashkan on Caspian Sea shore.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF4124.jpg]()
7 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
A family picture of Ashkan and his parents at his birthday party. This is the only picture Ashkan has of his parents after they forced him to leave their house.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF4547.jpg]()
8 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
The sofa where Ashkan's parents sat when they told him he is sick and he is no longer their son. That night they kicked him out of the house. This photo was taken a week later when Ashkan’s parents were on a trip and he packed some belongings to take with him.
![Photography image - Loading IMG_0340.jpg]()
9 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
The outside of Ashkan's parents' house. The night they found out their son is gay, they told him he is sick, no longer their son and kicked him out of the house. This photo was taken later when Ashkan's parents were on a trip and he packed some belongings to take with him.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF5737.jpg]()
10 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
A self-portrait of Ashkan (instructions were given). The photographer is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Ashkan was a closeted gay for almost 13 years until his parents found out and kicked him out of their home. Ashkan has been disowned by his family, and threatened with rape and death and he had to escape Iran for the safety of his life.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF5155.jpg]()
11 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
A personal photo of Ashkan's partner. Ashkan was a closeted gay for almost 13 years until his parents saw him and his partner holding hands in a park. They kicked him out of their home and threatened to kill him.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF5095.jpg]()
12 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
After being kicked out of his home, Ashkan found a job at a cafe where he could sleep on the floor.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF5748.jpg]()
13 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
Shadows of Ashkan on the wall of a mental hospital where his father would send him to cure his homosexuality.
![Photography image - Loading 20201227_051258(0).jpg]()
14 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
A self-portrait of Ashkan in the airport before escaping the country for the safety of his life. Ashkan threatened with rape and death by his family.
![Photography image - Loading DSCF5966.jpg]()
15 of 15
© 2021 Ashkan Shabani
The word "Azadi" (freedom) written by Ashkan on the window of a motel where he is hiding from his father. Ashkan believes that one day Iranian homosexuals will have a future that recognizes their existence.
Public Story
You are not my son anymore
Credits:
ashkan shabani
Date of Work:
10/01/19 - 12/28/20
Updated: 01/20/21
The existence of gay men is undeniable in Iran. Being a homosexual in a country where gays risk execution for their sexual orientation and the publics' mindset is completely closed to same-sex relationships, everyday existence is difficult. Homosexuality is a target that both society and the regime are against, and most of the time, the pressure from family to conform to traditional ways of thinking is the most challenging factor.
It's not only about disclosing homosexuality to your parents. It becomes a concern for the family-at-large. In a strict, traditional, and religious family, having a gay son or lesbian daughter is shameful and against the family honor. This is why homosexuals are being abandoned by their family members, or even worse, they are threatened with death. You are not my son anymore follows the photographer's life as he is a member of the LGBTQ+ community himself.
After his family found out about his sexual orientation, Ashkan Shabani has been disowned and threatened with rape and death. Ashkan had to escape and leave Iran for his own welfare. Now in a safer place, Ashkan was able to reveal a world unknown to many – sharing the actual trauma his harrowing experience that he and his partner have been through.
