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Episode 69 in English: Tarek of Helem!

 

We learned so much from Tarek Zeidan and are so grateful to have connected with him.  Tarek is the Executive Director of the organization Helem, a non-profit working on improving the legal and social status of LGBT folks.  Helem is in Lebanon, and the name translates to “Dream.”  In this episode, we discussed Stonewall and the vitality of remembering what Pride is about.  We also talked about our upcoming trips to NYC for World Pride.  We discussed the ban of Grindr in Lebanon as well; Tarek also talked about the ways that LGBT advocacy needs to happen in the context of Lebanon.  This episode is just one day before Tarek’s Arabic episode (keep an eye out for that one as well!).

To read more on Tarek: https://carrcenter.hks.harvard.edu/people/tarek-zeidan

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Episode 54 in English: Alireza in Beirut

Alireza Shojaian is an incredible artist from Iran who is living in Beirut.  One of our recent guests – Munir – was kind enough to get us in touch with him!  We were destined to talk to him, as it turns out that we had seen his work in New York City last year at Mark for Redaction (check out the episode from that event here: https://thequeerarabs.com/podcast/episode-37-in-english-mark-for-redaction).   Alireza’s queer-centered art provokes emotions that are lasting and that will linger in the back of your mind for a long time after encountering it.
An example is “Season Salad” confronts the painful reality for many people who feel disconnected or disoriented with their bodies due to their sexuality or identity.  So many of us can relate to this.  This series will validate those feelings in a very powerful way.
Follow Alireza on Instagram @alirezash0jaian
Here’s a great article about his work: https://wearequeerhere.com/queerart 

Hamed Sinno et un de ses Frères’ Acrylic and Color Pencil on Wood Board
Photo credit: Tareck Raffoul

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