The Queer Arab Glossary —A Review
A book challenging myths and stereotypes about sexuality in the Arab world, exploring the language of queerness in the region.
LGBTQ+
Two Poems from Omar Sakr
Omar Sakr presents his thoughts along with two poems from his collection, "The Lost Arabs."
“Drinking Tea at Lahore Chai Masters”—a story by Farah Ahamed
When Mehreen and Asma compare notes, they realize they are still not unfettered lovers.
Don’t Ask me to Reveal my Lover’s Name لا تسألوني ما اسمهُ حبيبي
Mohammad Shawky Hassan reflects on the original story that informed the making of "Shall I Compare You to a Summer’s Day?” two years after its world premiere.
Clashing Cultures and Gender Politics in The Persian Version
Bavand Karim reviews "The Persian Version," a 2023 American comedy drama film directed and written by Maryam Keshavarz.
World Picks: Exist Festival + the Mosaic Room, London
Sept. 8-10, Exist Festival in London features film, talks, music, performance & dance; Sept. 6-14, also in London at the Mosaic Rooms, check out "In the Shade of the Sun."
“Nadira of Tlemcen”—fiction from Abdellah Taïa
Sometimes you have to escape everything you know in order to become yourself.
Queer Khaleejis and Western Biases—Individual Freedom at Stake
Christina Paschyn talks to queer activists in the Gulf who challenge the Western narrative on oppression and freedom for the LGBTQ community.
Arab Theatre Grapples With Climate Change, Borders, War & Love
London-based Iraqi playwright Hassan Abdulrazak enthuses on the 2023 Shubbak theatre arts extravaganza, June 23-July 9.
The Outsourcing of Pain—On Work and Alienation
Ahmed Awadalla reflects on how his pursuit of freedom through a job in Cairo has led to growing pains that followed him to Berlin.
Beautiful Ghosts, or We’ll Always Have Istanbul
Looking for love and her father's past, a Turkish American journalist haunts the streets of Istanbul before and after Covid.
Signs of the Times: Rising Conservatism in Kuwait
Mai Al-Nakib, a writer in the country's capital, interprets the recent rise in conservatism in Kuwait as a symptom of fear.
Love Has Everything to Do with Maryam Touzani’s The Blue Caftan
Melissa Chemam reviews the new taboo-busting feature film from Moroccan director Maryam Touzani.
“Another German”—a short story by Ahmed Awadalla
An Egyptian refugee in Berlin, longing for a home of his own, hopes love is around the corner.