Below is a statement by 4 queer Arab organizations in Beirut, Jerusalem, and Haifa condemning the USSF‘s decision to allow zionist propaganda group Stand With Us to present at the forum:

SAY NO TO PINKWASHING AT THE USSF!

We, the undersigned queer Arab organizations, are appalled by the US Social Forum’s decision to allow Stand with Us to utilize the event as a platform to pinkwash Israel’s crimes in the region. Stand with Us is cynically manipulating the struggle of queer people in the Middle East through its workshop entitled “LGBTQI Liberation in the Middle East”.

Palestinian Queers for BDS

Call upon all Queer groups, organizations and individuals around the world to

Boycott the Apartheid State of Israel.

June 27th 2010

Helem’s theme for this year’s IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) is ‘Ana Shaz’ (I’m Queer). The word itself can be very controversial and upsets many people, but we have chosen to support all those who are considered queer/deviant by the governmental aspects of society. The queer community in Lebanon has chosen to stand in solidarity and on the side of sexual freedom in Lebanon.

DOWNLOAD THE STUDY

Join us in launching 2 new studies on institutional discrimination based on sexual orientation in Lebanon
Tamam Mroue: "The Right of Gays and Lesbians to University"
Faisal Al-Kak: "Homophobia in Clinical Services: A Physician Survey"
Monday 8 February 2010 at 6:30 PM
Beirut Theater, Ein El Mreisseh

On 21 December, Helem will launch a report on the legal situation of Homosexuals in the Arab world, with case studies about Lebanon and Tunis with the participation of the researchers: Dr. Wahid Farchihi (Professor of Law in Tunisian University) and Nizar Saghieh (Lawyer and independent legal researcher in Lebanon).

Place: Metropolis Cinema, Sofil Center, Beirut
Time: Monday, December 21, at 6:00 PM

Publication du livret "Homosexualités et bisexualités: mythes et réalités"

L'association Helem a l'honneur de vous inviter à la publication et signature du livret "Homosexualités et bisexualités: mythes et réalités" rédigé par Maha Rabbath - Psychologue Clinicienne et Psychothérapeute Analytique.

Lieu: Hotel Crown Plaza, Rue Hamra
Date: Jeudi 29 octobre 2009, de 11h a 13h

Call for Action: Tell IGLTA that Apartheid Israel is not for LGBT Leisure Tourism!

September 8th 2009

ISSUED BY:
Queers Against Israeli Apartheid, Toronto
Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism
International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network
Queer BDS activists from Israel

No to the Article 534

Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code states that "sexual intercourse contrary to nature" is punishable for up to 1 year in prison. The article is used by the Lebanese ruling classes to criminalize homosexuality for ordinary people and block democratic debate on sexuality.

Article 534 is a product of French colonialism, in consideration of reactionary religious circles

We are aware of the fact that homophobic violence is threanening the life of Turkish LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual) individuals in the Turkish community and it is, sadly, increasing. The violations of Human Rights against LGBT individuals continiues to target this part of the Turkish social fabric, causing lack of security, suffering yet deadly occurrences to those Turkish citizens.

NEW YORK, January 23, 2009 – Helem, the first organisation in the Arab world to set up a gay and lesbian community centre, has won this year’s Felipa de Souza Award, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) announced today.