Lebanon

How the Lebanese Drag Queen scene is fundamentally challenging heteronormative structures and traditional role models despite the legal system and a lacking tolerance of diversity. While social and familial pressures prevent living out one's identity, Drag shows create a platform for individuality, diversity and alternative family structures- because sometimes you have to choose your own family!

For feminist and women's rights activist Lina Abou Habib, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action can be considered a milestone in fighting for women's rights in Lebanon. An interview by Noor Baalbaki

The last episode in the series of attacks against the LGBT community took place on August 9, when police raided a hammam frequented mostly, though not exclusively, by gay men. Twenty-seven men were arrested, including clients and workers at the hammam, charged with homosexuality (Article 534 of the penal code) and public indecency (Article 521).

On January 28, 2014, Naji al-Dahdah, a magistrate in Jdeideh el-Metn, Lebanon, issued a ruling acquitting a transexual individual accused of engaging in sexual relations with men. The ruling carries great significance, not just for the legal status of transexuals, but also because of its implications for interpreting Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code.

Gender discrimination stemming from family, sect, and state in Lebanon inhibits women’s full and equal public participation and places them at a vastly inferior starting position in politics.

Tradition and Emancipation are two important poles influencing the societal acceptance of women's soccer in Lebanon. In this article, the author examines this influence through a number of interviews, observations and narratives.