 |
(Tomer Halfon)
“In the Arab community, homosexuality is totally prohibited. It is considered as a big sin, and as something which is unacceptable in the community and in the culture as well,” says ‘Muhammad’ – a gay Palestinian.
Yet, as Muhammad can attest, the Arab community is not without homosexuals.
A look at a series of quotes from Egyptian sources concerning homosexuality quickly illustrates the fervor of opposition to it from two powerful and important elements in the Arab world — religion and culture:
– “AIDS is the result of sexual anarchy and deviation” – Cultural Deputy Editor-in-Chief at the Egyptian daily Al-Ahram, Ahmad Bahgat.
– “These are socially ill people in need of intensive social therapy and a study of their circumstances.” – Dr. ‘Isa Karim, Deputy Head of the National Center for Criminal and Social Research in Embaba, Cairo.
– “The Islamic law ruled that those deviators should be thrown from a high place.” -Head of the Central Department for Da’wa [religious call] Affairs in the Egyptian Endowments Ministry, Sheikh Muhammad ‘Abd Al-Magid.
Those quoted are not alone within the Arab world in their thinking. Homosexuals can find themselves thrown into jail for ‘immoral activities.’ And not unlike some in other areas of the world, their own families frequently fail to accept their ‘condition,’ so they have to live double lives, always fearing exposure.
Accordingly, gay Arabs feel they have very little space in which they can safely express their sexual identity. The Internet is one such place, though the police in some Arab countries monitor the web in order to catch ‘offenders.’
Gays with access to Israel have another place to turn: the Jerusalem Open House (JOH). Located in the western part of the capital, this is arguably the only place in the Middle East where gay Arabs can receive information and guidance from experienced professionals. Some also point to JOH as a solitary location in the heart of the world’s most conflicted region where nationalistic enmity dissipates within a seemingly equally compelling bond.
“Jerusalem is roughly divided into three demographic groups: religious Jews, secular Jews, and Arabs,” says JOH Executive Director Hagai El-Ad. “Our aim is to be a center to all of them.”
 |
Hagai El-Ad (G.F. Photos)
And indeed, homosexuals from all faiths come to the JOH, where various activities are offered to them. But perhaps the most important service this place has to offer is the mere presence of volunteers and professionals who can listen and encourage them.
“I do believe we are the only organization which also employs Arab professionals, and gives services in Arabic,” says Haneen Maikey, the Palestinian Outreach Director at the JOH.
 |
Haneen Maikey (G.F. Photos)
“It is critical that people can speak their own language with someone who knows their society, the reality from which they come, and the risks involved in it,” adds Hagai El-Ad.
Arabic-speaking homosexuals who cannot physically travel to the Open House have the opportunity to contact its professionals by phone and e-mail. JOH personnel report calls and e-mails from the Palestinian territories, Israeli-Arab communities, and countries throughout the Arab world. The list includes Qatar, Lebanon, and even Syria, as well as from Arabs living in Europe and the United States.
The Open House’s personnel will be responsible for the hosting of the 2005 World Pride Parade. This, despite the fact that Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupoliansky is a member of Israel’s “haredi” (often called “ultra-orthodox”) Jewish community. Only a few months ago, Lupoliansky banned a traditional City Hall reception that is held annually in conjunction with the annual Gay Pride parade. He also refused to allow the parade’s signature banners to be displayed along the route as is the custom not only for the Gay Pride march, but for all similar events and festivals. City funds earmarked for the Jerusalem Open House have been frozen.
 |
(G.F. Photos)
In spite of these setbacks, the Jerusalem Open House continues to work at full capacity. Among its many projects, JOH is awaiting word on a major donation that will enable it to further promote its Palestinian Outreach Project.