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©2004
K. Diab
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Homosexuality in
the Middle East
Homosexuality is one of the most controversial taboo
topics in the Arab world today, and one that is rarely discussed in public. Gay
men and women live in anonymity and fear of the familial, social and legal
consequences of their sexuality. But different Arab societies have
traditionally tolerated homosexuality in their own ways, and there are signs
that the current puritanical tone of public discourse is being challenged by
brave individuals and groups across the Middle East. In this special focus on
homosexuality, Diabolic
Digest is doing its own modest bit in bringing the issue out of the closet.
A war on error (2)
June 2007 – It is time to dispel the myths that
conservative Muslims often propagate about 'the west'. Read on
Under the veil of sexuality
December 2006 – In
modern-day Muslim societies, the struggle for greater sexual liberty is
hampered by social taboo. Two recent titles attempt to remove the veil of
modesty and secrecy surrounding homosexuality and the oft-neglected issue of
female sexuality. They deliver surprises both to critics and defenders of
Islam. Read
on
Intolerant cruelty
May 2006 – Five years after the tide turned
against homosexuals in Egypt with the infamous Queen Boat trial, Unspeakable
love: gay and lesbian life in the Middle East by Brian Whitaker delves into
the underground and taboo world occupied by homosexuals in the Middle East. Read
on
Talking about
‘unspeakable love’
May 2006 – Brian Whitaker talks to
Khaled Diab about his new book Unspeakable love. Read
on
Rivers of deceit
May 2006 – On 11 May 2001, 52 men were arrested
in and around the Queen Boat floating nightclub in Zamalek, Cairo. About half
of them eventually wound up serving prison sentences of up to five years. Read on
Cultural rainbows
May 2006 – As Hollywood does gay in a big way,
the issue of homosexuality in the Arab World is slowly coming out of the
cultural and media closet. Read on
Attack the machinery, not the machinations
March 2002 – MEPs and some of the UK’s top
stars have petitioned Egypt’s president to pardon 23 men allegedly jailed for
their sexual orientation. For the sake of even-handedness and to garner public
support, the campaign must call for the release of all political prisoners and
the dismantling of Egypt’s two-decade-old emergency laws. Read on
Read review by Khaled Diab of Unspeakable
love published in Al
Ahram Weekly on Thursday 4 May 2006.
ã2006 K. Diab. Unless otherwise stated, all the content on this website
is the copyright of Khaled Diab.