I wanted to share the dreadful news about the awful assignation of a fellow colleague and gay rights activist Bashar aged 27.

Bashar has been a strong supporter and campaigner for Iraqi LGBT and to hear of this news only reinforces the pressures that still exist around the world and shows how much work there is still to be done to put this to an end.

He was the organiser of the safe houses for gays and lesbians in Baghdad. His efforts saved the lives of dozens of people. Bashar was a kind, generous and extremely brave young man – a true hero who put his life on the line to save the lives of othersBashar, a university student, was assassinated in a barber shop. Militias burst in and sprayed his body with bullets at point blank range.My heart and soul goes to his family and everyone that continues to fight for our rights across the globeMay you rest in peace