August 20, 2010 | Online

Online support for gay Arabs

Qadita.net launched this week, creating a valuable tool for progressive citizens of Arab communities. The online magazine will offer a new perspective on politics and culture, exploring 'taboo' issues like homosexuality, and giving marginalized members of Arab society a voice.

Author Ala Hlehel, one of the site's founders, said: "We'll post controversial texts that touch on social and cultural sensitivities. The margins of freedom of the press in Arabic are shrinking under political and social tension from the whole Arab-Islamic scene, with its suffocating effect on free creation."

A section on gay and lesbian issues will be "featured prominently" on the homepage. "It will include texts written by Arab gays and lesbians who, naturally, will publish anonymously," he said.

Two years ago another LGBT Arabic/English-language website, Behksoos.com, was created by lesbian group Meem. Welcome, Qadita -- it's been a long time coming. 

Arabic website to tackle gay issues [Pink News]