Petrelis Files

Iraqi LGBT Finally
Releases Fiscal Report

Five years ago, Ali Hili began the Iraqi LGBT advocacy group in London with only the best intentions in mind, to help the gay community in his homeland. The group has frequently performed laudably, bringing a focus to to the plight of gays in Baghdad and refugees in other countries that needed a public face.

However, until now Iraqi LGBT has been loathe to provide any serious fiscal accountability, while questions occasionally arose over some claims they made about atrocities inflicted upon gay Iraqis, their alleged underground railroad and safe house network.

Today I applaud Hili for finally issuing his annual report and hope he repairs the extensive damage he's done to Iraqi LGBT's reputation, and that he commits to end his immature game-playing with people who ask him for accountability and verification.

The report, which is posted at the group's site, sheds much valuable light on their activities and finances for their fiscal year ending on May 31, and you can read a very favorable analysis of the report at the UK Gay News site.

Most of the report is a political accounting of its advocacy work, and acknowledgements are made about the shaky foundation and communication abilities of the group. Three pages are devoted to the financial activities of Iraqi LGBT and their accountant has given the activities his stamp of approval.

This a great first step toward addressing the too many questions that have been raised, and I'm sure we all hope Hili regularly produces more reports and presents verifiable evidence to back up his claims.

The security and lives of LGBT citizens in Iraq and around the world cry out for stable leaders advocating on their behalf, and proper stewardship of funds raised is crucial to restore the viability of Iraqi LGBT.

Finally, a digression:

Memo to "Hussam," the gay Iraqi who claims US troops beheaded an Iraq citizen:

Hey Hussam,

You've complained to me about Ali's lack of credibility and accountability in the past. Well, he's produced a one-year comprehensive statement about his operations. I hope you emulate Ali and produce your photos showing the alleged beheading, along with any evidence you have to back up claim. Let me know if you've provided that info the US Army investigators probing your allegations.