Lebanon: Voices of queer women & trans persons

Source: 
Mama Cash
Lebanon's first and long-awaited book on the lives of queer women and transgender people in Lebanon is published by Meem.
"Bareed Mista3jil" - which translates into English as "Mail in a Hurry" - is a collection of 41 stories from the experiences of lesbians, bisexuals, queer and questioning women, and transgender persons (LBTQ) from all over Lebanon.
Covering a wide range of topics and issues from coming out and relationships with families to self-discovery and discrimination, "Bareed Mista3jil" aims to introduce the Lebanese people to the real-life stories of one of the country's most hidden and ostracized communities.

The book dispels the myths surrounding female sexuality and gender identities in all their diversity. It includes a 30-page introductory analysis of the different themes of the stories to provide readers with some sociological background to the key elements.

"Bareed Mista3jil" is published by Meem, a community of LBTQs that was started in August 2007 to provide support for sexual and gender minorities.

The publication is an amazing accomplishment and a landmark moment for LBT organising in Lebanon and the Middle East. Mama Cash is very proud of the groundbreaking work of this group.

The book is available in English and as from July 1 also in Arabic. Excerpts from the stories, in addition to more information, can be found online at http://www.bareedmista3jil.com/

July 2009