24 Tips on How Gay Men Can Avoid Police Entrapment in Dangerous, Anti-LGBT Countries

In many countries around the world, it’s extremely dangerous for gay men to express their authentic selves. Because of that fact, it’s imperative that gay men know how to stay safe amid adversity. One thing that seems to be common among anti-LGBTQ nations is police entrapment, something the average gay man may not know how to avoid.

We’ve seen crises for LGBTQ people around the world, including Egypt, Chechnya and most recently Uzbekistan. Gay men need to know how to stay safe.

Originally crafted for gay men in Egypt, to educate them on how to protect themselves and their rights, this useful resource was created by queer activists, and we share their work here.

Here are 24 tips on how gay men can avoid police entrapment and stay safe from other dangers:

General precautions

1. Most people on gay apps are genuine, but there is still some danger, so be careful when you meet people.

2. Don’t share personal information freely.

3. Remember, your conversation is being logged on both phones. Don’t go into detail until you know you can trust the other person.

Sharing Pictures

4. If you are sharing pictures, don’t share photos of your face and naked body. Beach shots are better than those taken in your bathroom.

5. If the other person doesn’t want to send photos, you can always videochat. But it’s worth mentioning that if they refuse to send pictures there may be something wrong.

6. Don’t go on a date without knowing what the other person looks like.

7. If you meet someone and they don’t look like their photo, leave immediately!

Understanding the Penal Code

8. In many countries, homosexuality and/or gay sex acts are illegal. And it doesn’t matter if it’s consensual or if money’s been exchanged — either way, you can get arrested.

9. Don’t go into detail about what you’ve done or want to do, or what you’re going to wear.

Before a date

10. Before you meet, search for his phone number on the Truecaller app, Facebook and social media.

11. Delete all private photos off your phone as well as any chats between you and your partners. If you can’t delete this information, buy a small phone and put your SIM card in it when you go to meet someone.

12. Memorize the phone numbers of a few of your most trusted friends — or write them down and put them in your wallet. Be sure to leave your full name with a trusted friend.

13. When going to meet someone, tell a friend when and where you’ll be. Also give them the other person’s phone number.

During a meetup

14. When you’re waiting to meet someone, wait inside a business or a mall — not on the street. Many people have been arrested this way.

15. If your date turns out to be a police entrapment scheme, just Run! RUN! RUN! If you can’t run, yell for help — at least that way there will be witnesses. You’re already in danger, so don’t worry about a scandal. Silence won’t help you!

If you get arrested

16. When you are taken to the police station, they will always open a case. Do not confess to anything.

17. Police may try to show sympathy to get you to confess or name names, but don’t be fooled! This is a trick so they can prove you’re guilty.

18. No matter what, reach out to a friend and tell them where you are so they can send a lawyer.

19. Deny all charges against you. No one will ever sympathize with you or will let you out if you try to repent.

20. If you are beaten, tortured or harassed at the police station, whether from the officers or other people detained, state this firmly. State it in writing in the investigation report.

21. The police officers have no right to take pictures, nor do any journalists. If they try to take your picture, refuse firmly!

Your health and well-being is important

22. Take care of your health, and practice safer sex.

23. Don’t drink or take anything if you don’t know what it is, even if the other person did.

24. Consent is important. Never let anyone do anything to you against your will.

Most importantly, take care of yourselves!

Hornet is sharing this resource to help ensure LGBT people understand what their rights are and how they can protect themselves. LGBT rights are human rights, and they must be defended against police entrapment and other dangers.

Featured image: STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images