People around the world face violence and inequality because of who they love or who they are. In 78 countries there are laws that forbid same sex contact, often with severe punishment.

These 7 short videos from Human Rights Watch highlight escalating cultures of violence and repression against LGBT individuals in several countries - South Africa, Russia, Cameroon, Jamaica, and Kyrgyzstan. Abuse survivors share their stories of human rights violations by police, and how local and federal laws create environments of perpetual fear.

The Human Rights Watch organization works globally to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people’s rights, and advocates for laws and policies that will protect everyone’s dignity so all people can enjoy their rights fully.