Lebanon’s First Queer Book Now Out

“Bareed Mista3jil: True Stories” hits Lebanese bookstores on June 1st

Beirut on May 21, 2009: Lebanon’s first and long-awaited book on the lives of queer women and transgenders in Lebanon is now out. “Bareed Mista3jil,” which translates into English as “Mail in a Hurry” is a collection of 41 stories from the experiences of lesbians, bisexuals, queer and questioning women, and transgender persons (LBTQ) from all over Lebanon. Covering a wide range of topics and issues from coming out and relationships with families to self-discovery and discrimination, “Bareed Mista3jil” aims to introduce the Lebanese people to the real-life stories of one of the country’s most hidden and ostracized communities.

Written over the course of 18 months by a team of young queer women, the book dispels the myths surrounding female sexuality and gender identities in all their diversity. It includes a 30-page introductory analysis of the different themes of the stories to provide readers with some sociological background to the key elements. Funded by the Heinrich Boell Foundation and supported by the Feminist Collective and IndyACT, “Bareed Mista3jil” is published by Meem, a community of LBTQs that was started in August 2007 to provide support for sexual and gender minorities.

An event launching the book will take place at Al Madina Theater on Hamra Street in Beirut on May 30, 2009 at 6pm. Selected stories will be read at the launch, which is open to the media and Lebanese public. The book will be available in English and Arabic versions at all major Lebanese bookstores and online as of June 1st, 2009. Excerpts from the stories, in addition to more information, can be found online at www.bareedmista3jil.com.