The Struggles of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Renting a House in Mauritania

In a Mauritanian society that prioritizes social and religious traditions over individual freedoms, LGBTQ+ individuals face immense challenges in every aspect of their daily lives, including renting a home. In the absence of laws that respect personal privacy and individual freedoms, it becomes difficult for these individuals to find safe and stable housing without facing discrimination or danger.

Lack of Laws Supporting Individual Freedoms

In Mauritania, there are no laws that protect individuals' rights to choose their lifestyle or express their sexual orientation. On the contrary, same-sex relationships are illegal and can lead to severe punishments, including imprisonment. This legal framework directly impacts the right to housing, as it is neither socially nor legally acceptable for two people of the same sex to live together in one house, even if their relationship is strictly platonic.

Social Surveillance and Intrusion into Privacy

Mauritanians live in close-knit communities where social surveillance permeates every aspect of life. Therefore, it is easy for neighbors or the local community to notice any "unusual" situation, such as two women or two men living together without a clear familial connection. In a society that respects privacy, individuals could live as they see fit without interference from others. However, in Mauritania, this is nearly impossible, as the presence of two people of the same sex living together is often interpreted as an indication of "unacceptable behavior."

Living in the Shadows: Secret Meetings 

Due to the difficulty of renting an independent house, LGBTQ+ individuals often have no choice but to remain in the shadows. They cannot openly live in an independent home and are forced to settle for short and secret meetings away from prying eyes. These encounters are often limited in time and place, increasing their sense of isolation and fear of being discovered.

Nonconforming Appearance: A Source of Danger

If the landlord or neighbors notice that someone exhibits a nonconforming appearance, whether through their attire or behavior, it puts these individuals at an unpredictable risk. For instance, if two women live together and one appears more masculine in terms of accessory choices or mannerisms, or if two men live together and one exhibits behaviors that do not align with the stereotypical image of masculinity in society, it can raise suspicions and provoke negative reactions from neighbors or the landlord.

In such cases, the situation could escalate to the point of police involvement or even physical and verbal violence from residents of the neighborhood. These scenarios make it extremely difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to live freely or choose their desired lifestyle without fearing the consequences.

Psychological and Social Challenges

Living in a society that does not respect individual rights and freedoms reinforces feelings of isolation and fear. For LGBTQ+ individuals, finding a home is just the beginning of a series of psychological and social challenges. They live in constant fear of their sexual orientation or gender identity being discovered, which could lead to persecution or even physical violence.

Discrimination in the Real Estate Market

Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals extends to the real estate market, where they may face rejection from landlords if suspected of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. In some cases, even when they manage to rent a house, they face ongoing harassment from neighbors or the surrounding community, making peaceful and stable living nearly impossible.

 In the absence of laws that protect individual rights and respect privacy, LGBTQ+ individuals in Mauritania find themselves facing significant challenges when attempting to rent a home. Unable to live independently, they are forced to live in secrecy, limited to brief and covert encounters out of fear of persecution. Nonconforming appearances further increase the risk of bullying or violence, making daily life for these individuals fraught with fear and anxiety. The Mauritanian society must reconsider its traditional attitudes and work towards enhancing individual freedoms and respecting human rights, including the right to choose one's lifestyle and live in peace and safety.