A growing concern in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is the rise of dating blackmail and sextortion, which disproportionately affects LGBT+ individuals. Perpetrators use dating apps to initiate private encounters, pressuring victims into creating explicit content that is later used to extort them for money, sexual favors, or other demands. The threat of exposing the victim’s LGBT+ identity or the explicit material often silences them, leaving them trapped and vulnerable. Moreover, the legal framework in both countries lacks specific provisions to address such crimes. Recognising the urgent need to address this issue, iProbono, in collaboration with Shongshoptok—a non-binary-led organisation dedicated to advancing the rights of vulnerable and marginalised LGBT+ individuals in Bangladesh—has developed our “Strength in Solidarity” toolkit. This resource aims to empower activists, community members, and legal professionals to navigate the complexities of dating blackmail and sextortion, providing practical guidance and support to those affected.
The Legal and Social Landscape of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka’s LGBT+ Community
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka’s colonial-era laws criminalise same-sex relationships, perpetuating fear and discrimination. Survivors of dating blackmail and sextortion often believe the law does not protect them, leaving them with limited options for redress. This fear is evident in the fact that over 500 cases of dating blackmail were documented by Shongshoptok in Bangladesh since 2020. Similarly, in Sri Lanka, iProbono is providing legal support to victims of dating blackmailing since 2022. Often, victims do not recognise these experiences as legal violations of their rights, or remain silent due to stigma. This silence only emboldens perpetrators while isolating the survivors, denying them access to justice and support.
The “Strength in Solidarity” toolkit addresses this gap by providing clear, practical guidance to the LGBT+ community and its allies. It challenges the perception that LGBT+ individuals are excluded from the protections of the law.
The Voices of Survivors
While preparing the toolkit, we ensured that it was shaped by the experiences of survivors. To achieve this, in Bangladesh, Shongshoptok conducted several sessions with close to 120 LGBT+ activists and community members. These sessions created space for survivors to share their experiences, talk about the methods employed by perpetrators, and the obstacles faced by survivors when seeking help.
For example, a survivor spoke about being coerced into sharing personal photographs, which were used to blackmail them. The fear of public humiliation and familial rejection kept them silent for months, until they found support through community networks. Their story underscores the importance of offering resources to guide individuals through processes like filing a complaint, preserving evidence and improving their online security.
Many participants spoke about the lack of awareness within the community about dating blackmail and sextortion as forms of violence. We used this insight to include strategies for staying safe, and how to respond to instances of blackmail.
In Sri Lanka, the toolkit’s development was similarly informed by the experiences of survivors, activists, and legal experts. One survivor highlighted the challenges faced when engaging with law enforcement, noting that LGBT+ individuals are often treated with disrespect due to their sexual orientation. Their statement “Unfortunately, law enforcement in Sri Lanka often treats LGBT+ individuals with disrespect, viewing them as inferior due to their orientation, and often speaks to them in a condescending manner. It’s generally safer for LGBT+ people to have legal representation when making a complaint, as going alone may result in them being ignored” revealed a disturbing pattern of unfair treatment from law enforcement. This insight motivated iProbono to include guidance on engaging with police, connecting with pro bono legal assistance, and accessing vital support services.
Addressing Challenges in Representation
Female-bodied individuals, including trans men, lesbians, and queer women, often face increased discrimination due to their gender identity and sexual orientation. Security concerns, stigma, and fear of not being believed makes it even harder for them to report incidents of dating blackmail, leaving them even more isolated.
One queer woman recounted being harassed and blackmailed online, which she did not report due to fears of being judged, even within supportive spaces. This highlights the urgent need for resources that address the unique vulnerabilities of these subgroups.
Our toolkit used this insight to offer guidance for marginalised groups within the LGBT+ community. It also emphasised on the importance of trust-building and mutual support within the community.
Inspiring Action and Hope
The development of this toolkit marks a significant step forward in addressing dating blackmail and sextortion within the LGBT+ community.
We hope this resource will also create awareness and action on this critical issue. We invite allies, activists and policymakers to join our efforts, by supporting awareness campaigns, advocating for legal reforms, and amplifying the toolkit’s messages.
*Article co-authored by Jubdatul Jabed, Program Manager, Bangladesh and Shevindri Manuel, Program Manager, Sri Lanka, iProbono.
