Interesting piece in the Guardian (web only) about a Palestinian lesbian group – perhaps the only “out” such group in the Arab world:
“We realised we had a great responsibility towards other women in our community,” Ms Morcos continued. “We tried to contact many organisations and sent out letters but the only reply came from Kayan [“Being”], a group of feminists in Haifa … Many NGOs don’t count it as a human rights issue or want to be associated.”
Three years on, though, Aswat is firmly established with more than 70 members spread across the West Bank, Gaza and Israel (where the organisation is based). Only about 20 attend its meetings; the need to keep their sexuality secret, plus Israeli restrictions on movement, prevent others from attending but they keep in touch through email and an online discussion forum.
Beyond the group itself, there are also signs of acceptance in a few places. “We do a lot of work within the community, for example with youth groups, counsellors, and so on,” Ms Morcos said. “That proves to me at least that the gay/lesbian movement has started for us as Palestinians.”
It reminds me of the sole, small lesbian group in Thailand (at least when I was last there about seven years ago). There might not have been the same threats of violence, but there was similar levels of ostracism.
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