Gay arabs

"I'm afraid to say what's in my heart," Lebanese artist Moe Khansa sings in a music video released earlier this year, echoing the concerns of many Arab youths struggling with their sexual identity.

The clip, titled "Khayef" (or "Afraid" in English) tells the story of a young boy with a passion for belly dancing, struggling to express his true identity.

Elephant Rock is also worth checking out at sunset. As well as hosting the region’s largest gay club, POSH, where gay Arabs and internationals can finally dance together without fear of persecution, gay Beirut also hosts annual queer events such as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and Beirut Pride.

For their privacy and safety, we’re keeping things low-key here on the blog.

If you’d like an intro, just slide into our inbox or drop a discreet comment below. Note that in Al Ula, Careem is not as popular and you'll have a higher waiting time for a taxi – instead, use the Kaiian taxi app.

If partying in Beirut be discreet at all times and stay aware of your surroundings particularly if outside late at night. I was so sad when I saw what happened in Orlando because the guy who did it was a Muslim and said he was in ISIS. Not only am I gay, but I’m also a bottom,” Sleiman said. “Not only am I a bottom, but I’m also a total bottom, which means I like it up you know where,” he added.

Born and raised in Lebanon before moving to the U.S.

at the age of 21, Sleiman has had a slew of appearances in American TV series as well as roles in short and full-length feature films.

The child of Egyptian immigrants to the United States, Amin El Gamal identifies proudly as Muslim Arab and gay. 

Best known for his role as Cyclops in the American TV series Prison Break:Resurrection, El Gamal has showbiz in his blood, with his grandmother having starred in the classic Egyptian film The Chant of Hope opposite Om Kalthoum. 

“As with misogyny and other forms of hate, people have used and abused religion as a tool to maintain control and power,” El Gamal told StepFeed in April. 

"Over the centuries, the intolerance we associate with Islam has come from shifting cultural and political forces, not the religion itself.”

The way Amrou Al-Kadhi sees it, "you have not met a drag queen until you’ve spent time with many of the Middle Eastern women in Harrods!"

The Iraq-British actor, filmmaker, drag performer, and writer told StepFeed earlier this year: 

"I was raised Muslim and it is a part of my family and heritage, and I’m proud of that."

"Islam is also where I learned a lot of the values I’m proud of as a queer person – familial loyalty, generosity – and those have been deeply instilled in me," Al-Kadhi said.

Earlier this year, Dalia El Faghal took to Facebook to tell that world that she is in a relationship with a woman. 

Soon after her Facebook post went viral, El Faghal began receiving both messages of hate and support. 

"I was attacked by people ...

Shorts are fine in touristy areas, but opt for trousers and covered shoulders when visiting religious buildings like mosques. Can you elaborate?

It is a luxury.

“Yes, you can bring PrEP or HIV medication into Saudi Arabia for personal use, but there are strict guidelines to follow. Lebanon

Tiny but mighty, the Mediterranean nation of Lebanon is where the Middle East and Europe enter a shared embrace, sharing worldly influences across time and space. Our generation really wants peace.

More importantly, never post, tag, or follow anyone on social media without explicit consent.

That is also why you'll only see me in my photos/videos from my trip to Saudi Arabia in this blog post and on our social media.

Is it moral for gay travelers to visit Saudi Arabia?

It’s a valid question, and one I asked myself before the trip.

ATMs are everywhere, and exchange rates are decent.

Language

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas.