Beirut has always been considered a safe heaven for homosexuals and transsexuals in the region. People persecuted for their sexual orientation in the more repressive countries of the Arab neighborhood found refuge in the Lebanese capital. In 2017, Lebanon was the first Arab country to allow a gay pride week. However, this was banned again by the authorities in 2018. According to recent surveys, 70% of the Lebanese still reject homosexuality, and violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community often occurs. Section 534 of the Penal Code makes "sexual acts contrary to the laws of nature" punishable. Other laws intensify the persecution of people who identify as LGBTQI+. Due to the severe economic and financial crisis in Lebanon, many people from the LGBTQI+ scene have left the country in recent years, and the once vibrant scene has been reduced to just a few safe places. In addition, political pressure on LGBTQI+ individuals has increased: in July 2022, the Minister of Interior announced raids on establishments popular within the scene.