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Episode 88: LebMASH!


LebMASH, the Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health, works to increase knowledge and resources surrounding sexual health and LGBTQI+ health.  Its board of directors are located in Lebanon, Canada, and the United States.

On Oct. 26, 2019, we (Nadia Khayrallah, Adam Elsayigh, and Alia) attended the LebMASH Halloween benefit party in NYC!  The three of us co-hosted what turned out to be a fun and informative episode.

Points touched on include:   Resources provided by LebMASH, education (on issues such as STDs) needing furtherance in the SWANA region, stigmas affecting access to healthcare, and more.  The Lebanese revolution comes up in both conversational context and on the dance floor.  We talk about varying audiences attached to different sources of media, and how subjects pertaining to political and societal issues in the SWANA region need to be approached with these factors in mind.  We also make profound statements during the later hours of the night such as, “Computers are the thing right now.”

We are grateful to Omar Fattal – one of the founders of the organization (you’ll hear from him on the episode) – for having us.  You’ll also hear from current LebMASH president Suha Ballout and from some folks who attended the party.

We had a great time recording this and can’t wait for you all to listen and to support this incredible organization.  Please follow @lebmashorg on IG, FB and Twitter. Read more about the org at www.lebmash.org.

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Episode 86 in English: Salon Al-Mahjar

Salon Al-Mahjar in NYC is a safe space for artists to collaborate and share their work.  This recording is from the sixth salon; artists who consented to being recorded are included on this.  The episode consists of clips of what the artists brought to this open mic, as well as a few conversations with people during the intermission.

The artists featured are as follows; while crediting is important, so is privacy.  Artists who have written back to me with permission to use their full names will be listed as such; otherwise, first names will be used.  Some of the social accounts are listed as well.  If you would like to contact Sara or Jenna, please reach out to us and we will do our best to make the connection necessary with respect to their comfort.

Reem Ramadan (music)  @reemouss
Sara (poetry)
Marwa Morgan (music) @marwamorgan
Zahra (music) https://www.facebook.com/zzmail
Jenna (music)
Mark Balahadia (music)  @balahadiamark
Je’Jae Cleopatra (poetry)  @mx.enigma
Bashar Makhay (music)  @fursafarfasha

Additionally:
Nadia Khayrallah danced (Alia got to improv along with her on violin), but sadly podcasting is not a great medium for dance!  Follow @nadiainherownworld to see some of her work.

Je’Jae & Sofia aka @flowrpunkk shared a meaningful tradition for Rosh Hashanah, which fell on the same day as the salon.

We also had an Alia-squared moment:  Alia met a fellow Alia!  You’ll hear from her on this episode as well. Insta handles are @alia.ajnabia and her DJ account which is @djmansafmama

Hilal, aka The Lebanese Mafia @thelebanesemafia, and Reem Ramadan put this beautiful salon together.

To quote the organizers’ description:

“Salon Al-Mahjar صالون المهجر is an open mic for immigrant, queer, trans, and allied artists, actors, writers, storytellers, activists, feminists, dancers, singers, musicians, poets, thinkers, teachers, and historians from the West Asian and North African diaspora.

We gather to celebrate each other’s voices, exchange ideas, engage in each other’s passions, counteract censorship, promote and support each other, give and receive constructive feedback, and challenge what may be considered inappropriate “ayb” عيب or “haram” حرام.”

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