Algeria in North Africa is the world’s 10th largest country by area with 44 million people. Under French rule until 1962, it is a majority Muslim country where Sharia law has been applied since 1966. Algeria has repeatedly been singled out for human rights violations – from violating women’s rights, to poor freedom of press and repressive anti LGBTIQ laws.

Rayan is a lawyer and Algerian activist working with the organisation TRANS HOMO DZ. It is extremely difficult to speak with LGBTIQ activists in Algeria as everything is hidden, not only because of the anti-LGBTIQ laws but also as the country doesn’t have a good record for protecting human rights and press freedom. We interviewed Rayan in French and translated the interview for you.