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  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935623_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu is leaning on a wall in his home. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935621_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Doctor Cohanzad is standing in his office at the clinic.Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935620_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu is chatting with his friend at a cafe. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935619_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu is leaning on a wall in his home. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935618_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Doctor Cohanzad is consulting a patient at his clinic.Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935617_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu is holding a photo of himself before transition when he was preparing for a role to play in a tv show. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935616_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu reading a book in his living room. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935615_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu the street at night. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935614_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Passport photos of Saman Arastu before transition. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935613_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu sitting on the bed in his bedroom. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935612_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu sitting in front of an outdoor cafe wall. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935610_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Dr. Shahryar Cohanzad at his clinic.Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935609_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu sitting at an outdoor cafe. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935608_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: A staffer is hanging an information board about body transition on the wall at Dr. Shahryar Cohanzad's office.Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935607_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu sitting inside a cafe. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935606_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Dr. Shahryar Cohanzad behind his desk at his clinic in Tehran.Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935605_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Doctor Cohanzad is consulting a patient at his clinic.Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935604_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu lighting up a cigarette while reading a book at home. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935602_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: A robe is hanging outside Dr. Shahryar Cohanzad's office while he's consulting a patient. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    DUKAS_189935601_POL
    Gender transition surgery spreading in Iran
    September 22, 2025 - Tehran, Iran: Saman Arastu sitting at home going through old photo albums. Sam, 32, a trans man from Orange County, Calif., is currently in Tehran to pursue a hysterectomy and metoidioplasty, a kind of penis-construction surgery. He was drawn to Iran because he believed the doctors there were “more confident” than those in the United States. Iran is one of the few Muslim countries that allows gender-affirming care, and subsidizes it. Foreigners travel to Iran for transition surgery, and transgender Iranians undergo the operations, in spite of Iran's history of the operations and the grim reality for most L.G.B.T.Q. Iranians. Gay men and lesbians are subject to punishment by public flogging and the death penalty. As a result, the United Nations Human Rights Council found, many gay and lesbian Iranians who are not trans are “pressured into undergoing gender reassignment surgery without their free consent.” Iran's discount prices are alo drawing transgender individuals from Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, according to medical tour operators and surgeons and many patients come from neighboring countries, like Iraq, where such treatments are strictly forbidden. “In the United States, the cost of surgery is around $45,000, and in Thailand, it’s approximately $30,000,” according to the website of one operator, IranMedTour. “However, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower, with prices less than $12,000.” Other companies advertise procedures at government hospitals for as low as $4,500. (Arash Khamooshi / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
    Arash Khamooshi

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_010
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED L-R Kohen with baby sister Autumn Warner) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_015
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Holly and Travis with Autumn in a carrier) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_014
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Holly and Travis with Autumn in a carrier) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_013
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Holly and Travis with Autumn in a carrier) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_009
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED L-R Kohen with baby sister Autumn Warner) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_012
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED L-R Autumn with Dad Travis Warner) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_006
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Autumn with mother Holly in the hospital) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_008
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED L-R Autumn with brother Kohen and Mother Holly) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_011
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Autumn with brother Kohen whilst being held by Dad Travis Warner) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_004
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Autumn Warner in the hsopital) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_007
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Autumn with mother Holly in the hospital) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_005
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Autumn Warner in the hsopital) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_002
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Baby Autumn with her intestine's in a Silo Bag) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_003
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED L-R Autumn with parents Holly Striloff and Travis Warner.) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    DUK10146235_001
    SCHICKSALE - Ein Frühgeborenes überlebt, nachdem es mit Eingeweiden ausserhalb des Bauches geboren wurde
    Holly Striloff / CATERS NEWS (PICTURED Baby Autumn with her intestine's in a Silo bag) A premature baby has defied the odds after being born with her intestines outside of her stomach. Autumn Warner, who is now four-months-old, was born six weeks early on July 5 by emergency c-section to medical lab assistant, Holly Striloff, 33, and her partner Travis Warner, 32, in Kamloops, Canada. The condition, gastroschisis, is a birth defect that causes a baby's intestines to form on the outside of the body and effects on average one out of 2500 babies born in a year. But thankfully doctors were able to save Autumn's life after feeding her intestines back into her body in an intense procedure. SEE CATERS COPY (FOTO: DUKAS/CATERSNEWS)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • FEATURE - Bangladesch: Der 'Tree Man'
    DUK10110980_004
    FEATURE - Bangladesch: Der 'Tree Man'
    January 23, 2019 - Dhaka, Bangladesh - Abul Bajandar, age 29, who suffers from rare skin dosorder known as tree man syndrome (Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis) awaits for treatment at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Dhaka on January 23, 2019. Abul Bajandar, also known as Bangladesh's ''tree man'', was treated at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2016 until May 2018, during which 25 complex surgeries were done to remove tree branch-like lesions growing on his body (FOTO: DUKAS/ZUMA)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • FEATURE - Bangladesch: Der 'Tree Man'
    DUK10110980_003
    FEATURE - Bangladesch: Der 'Tree Man'
    January 23, 2019 - Dhaka, Bangladesh - (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Abul Bajandar, age 29, who suffers from rare skin dosorder known as tree man syndrome (Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis) awaits for treatment at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Dhaka on January 23, 2019. Abul Bajandar, also known as Bangladesh's ''tree man'', was treated at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2016 until May 2018, during which 25 complex surgeries were done to remove tree branch-like lesions growing on his body (FOTO: DUKAS/ZUMA)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • FEATURE - Bangladesch: Der 'Tree Man'
    DUK10110980_002
    FEATURE - Bangladesch: Der 'Tree Man'
    January 23, 2019 - Dhaka, Bangladesh - (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Abul Bajandar, age 29, who suffers from rare skin dosorder known as tree man syndrome (Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis) awaits for treatment at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Dhaka on January 23, 2019. Abul Bajandar, also known as Bangladesh's ''tree man'', was treated at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2016 until May 2018, during which 25 complex surgeries were done to remove tree branch-like lesions growing on his body (FOTO: DUKAS/ZUMA)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • FEATURE - Bangladesch: Der 'Tree Man'
    DUK10110980_001
    FEATURE - Bangladesch: Der 'Tree Man'
    January 23, 2019 - Dhaka, Bangladesh - (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Abul Bajandar, age 29, who suffers from rare skin dosorder known as tree man syndrome (Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis) awaits for treatment at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Dhaka on January 23, 2019. Abul Bajandar, also known as Bangladesh's ''tree man'', was treated at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2016 until May 2018, during which 25 complex surgeries were done to remove tree branch-like lesions growing on his body (FOTO: DUKAS/ZUMA)
    (c) Dukas

     

  • PETA reveals universities experiments on cats, UK, America, June 2014
    DUKAS_40562620_REX
    PETA reveals universities experiments on cats, UK, America, June 2014
    Mandatory Credit: Photo by PETA/REX (3787734t)

    PETA Reveals Universities Experiments On Cats
    PETA has exposed that several universities have experimented on cats and kittens.

    Cats have had their skulls broken, electrodes attached to their brains, ribs and spines and been left paralysed as a result of experiments carried out at univerisites across the world.

    PETA reported that some of the universities involved included University College London (UCL), University of Wisconsin and Cardiff University.

    The experiments are said to have been performed so that scientists at the universities could discover more about the human body.

    PETA revealed that the cats endured a variety of experiments, including having their eyes stitched shut so that scientists could analyse the causes of a lazy eye.

    The animal charity also stated that scientists collapsed the cats lungs, while other cats were injected with paralysing drugs to prevent them from being able to move and breathe.

    Most of the cats and kittens were killed following the experiments.

    PETA spokesperson, Ben Williamson, said: "Experimenting on cats and dogs who would normally share our homes can never be justified, and we fully support the proposed ban that would end their use in laboratories.

    "The development of cutting-edge, non-animal methodologies that accurately predict what will happen in human beings is exciting and progressive, and unless University College London wishes to be at the bottom of the class, it should embrace today's humane research breakthroughs. Its students, researchers and teachers would benefit from modernisation, and animals would not have to endure traumatic and fatal experiments."

    PETA revealed that experiments at Cardiff University showed that kittens were raised in darkness or had their eyelids sewn shut, and were then subjected to brain experiments and killed.

    A total of 31 kit...
    For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/BEZGJAFAD

    DUKAS/REX

     

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    Mandatory Credit: Photo by OJO Images / Rex Features ( 831334a )
    MODEL RELEASED Woman with plastic surgery lines drawn on face
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    (FOTO:DUKAS/REX)

    DUKAS/REX