Sexuality and gender within Afghanistan'sbacha bereeshpopulation

Abstract

PurposeLimited evidence exists onbacha bazi, Afghanistan's steadily revived practice involving transgenerational same-sex relationships, despite its frequent association with violence towards young males, known asbacha bereesh. This paper aims to fill this critical gap.Design/methodology/approachThe author conducted an integrative literature review using qualitative and quantitative secondary data. An ecological framework for violence was applied to the findings.FindingsThe findings offer a comprehensive overview ofbacha baziin its modern form, including the unique health needs, sexual practices, and gender identities and orientations ofbacha bereesh. The author reveals how Afghan masculine identities and male-male sexual activity occur in relation to power structures and notions of honor. Numerous risk factors increasingbacha bereeshvulnerability for violence and socio-legal barriers constraining access to crucial services are also discussed.Research limitations/implicationsAfghanistan's shame-based culture limits accurate data collection by obscuring the practice and stigmatizingbacha bereeshwho serve in feminized roles.Practical implicationsThe research highlights the inadequacies of applying Western gender-binary frameworks to bacha bazi. It contributes to our understanding of sexuality, gender, masculinity, and male-directed sexual violence within Afghan culture. These insights will help us better address the health needs of this underserved population.Originality/valueThe lack of evidence addressing these topics highlights our paper's originality, while the literature firmly linking violence to poor physical and psychological health outcomes emphasizes the importance of its contribution.