Other on Al-Qaws

Engaging with a New Political Reality: Lessons & Changes

Wed, 18 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

To read alQaws' full annual report for 2021, click here. You can find the Arabic version here.

This year’s annual report highlights our engagement with a changing political, social and organizational reality inside alQaws and in Palestinian society in 2021.

Titled “Engaging with a New Political Reality: Lessons and Changes”, this report details our biggest accomplishments, projects, and strategic questions at this moment in time, as well as the politics and principles underlying our work this year. Additionally, we share an overview of our new strategic plan 2022-2026.

Social & Organizational Transformation: A Queer Organizing Milestone in Palestine

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0200

To read alQaws' full annual report for 2020, click here. You can find the Arabic version here.

At the end of this year, Haneen Maikey, who has led alQaws for two decades as our director-in-office, will end her term and welcome Haneen Sader as the organization’s new director. Twenty years ago, Haneen Maikey co-founded alQaws alongside a committed group of activists and friends. Since then, she has directed the movement throughout its evolution, as alQaws grew from a small community initiative into a well-established and highly reputable civil society organization in Palestine.

alQaws Welcomes a new Director

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0200

On behalf of alQaws’ National Leadership, Staff, and Board of Directors, it is our great pleasure to announce that alQaws activist Haneen Sader is joining alQaws’ professional staff team as our new director beginning January 2021.

This step comes as a result of a long process that alQaws undertook to prepare for this leadership transition. This intentional and collective decision is contextualized within our values, principles, and legacy of working with queer issues in Palestine. We don’t see this process as merely a change of directors, but a major transition in roles and responsibilities across the different organizational structures. This transition also reflects evolving political values related to sustainability, growth, and our commitment to providing opportunities to younger generations to continue making change.

alQaws Summer 2020 Newsletter: A Rallying Cry for Queer Liberation

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0200

In the past year, issues of sexual and gender diversity have become a consistent fixture in mainstream discourse. The space for social dialogue has broadened, elevating these issues within community forums to an unprecedented degree. Nevertheless, violent and reactionary sentiments continue to characterize popular debates in Palestine. This year we have seen that even in death, queer lives continue to be disputed, judged, and denied—a state of affairs that has elicited both pain and solidarity across Palestine and other countries in the region.

We’re Searching For alQaws’ Next Director

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0200

This recruitment is part of a long process of leadership transition at alQaws that started early this year with the participation of alQaws’ local and national leadership. We feel that young people joining different leadership roles, including management positions at alQaws, is an important step to the growth and sustainability of the queer movement in Palestine.

alQaws is seeking an inspiring and committed person with a vision and a strong belief in grassroots community organizing with different segments of Palestinian society. We are looking for someone who is inspired by the history of the queer movement in Palestine and is passionate to lead the future of our movement. We are seeking an activist with deep knowledge of sexual and gender diversity issues in Palestine and an understanding of its intersections with social and political forces impacting our society.

alQaws Spring Newsletter, April 2020: Working in Times of Corona

Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Since COVID-19 arrived on Palestinian shores, we felt a great responsibility to take precautionary measures with regards to some of our planned programs, and built a flexible plan to respond to the growing and changing new needs faced by our communities due to the pandemic. While the pandemic shifted everything, our core mission and the need for our work didn't change. We focused on keeping our communities connected to each other as well as we can, we responded to emerging needs, and were flexible in our approach to continuing our existing work and following new opportunities.

Unrelenting Resistance: alQaws Annual Report 2019

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0200

We are proud to share with you our 2019 Annual Report on the accomplishments we achieved and the challenges alQaws’ leadership and activists faced over the last year. While the past few years all have been exceptional and ever-changing, 2019 was a particularly extraordinary milestone and important shift in our journey, progress, and overall organizational work. The most exciting change has been the progress we witnessed in Palestinian society’s perception and attitudes on sexual and gender diversity. Our organization and our activism have become more visible to wider masses of Palestinian society, and in this process we have walked with our society through a transition from social denial and renunciation toward a new phase of active, visible, audible engagement with LGBTQ issues.

alQaws Fellowship: Palestine Through the Lens of Queer Politics

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws Fellowship:

Palestine Through the Lens of Queer Politics

(3-month; part-time; based in Jerusalem, Palestine)

alQaws is seeking a fellow for a three-month political educational program focused on cross-border networking, knowledge-sharing, and movement building for LGBTQ Palestinians.

In over a decade as an organization, alQaws has worked to show that LGBTQ Palestinians are an integral and active part of our society; with this fellowship, alQaws activists invite LGBTQ Palestinians outside Palestine to join our political home.

An Annual Community Event Supporting Palestinian Queers

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws Benefit Show x NYC

An Annual Community Event Supporting Palestinian Queers

The Peoples Forum

320 W 37th St, New York, NY

Wednesday, December 4th

6:00 PM

Come join us for a night of performances to raise funds to help bring together and support Palestinian Queers across borders. This past year, alQaws for Sexual & Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society has seen enormous growth in Palestine in terms of visibility and impact, and at the same time, alQaws leadership has been dealing with vicious societal and state violence since August this year.

alQaws’ Post-Police Statement: The Persecution and Restrictions Continue

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws’ Post-Police Statement: The Persecution and Restrictions Continue

In August this year, the Palestinian Authority police’s spokesperson issued a statement banning alQaws’ activities in the West Bank, threatening persecution of its organizers, and inciting citizens to report any person affiliated with alQaws. The police statement signalled a dangerous targeting of alQaws’ activities and activists, while the ensuing public debate revealed both violent diatribe against us and an overwhelming wave of support for alQaws from people concerned with the safety of all Palestinians.

alQaws Fall Newsletter: August 2019, Our Next Phase of Queer Organizing in Palestine

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0200

At the beginning of each new season of the year, we send our friends and allies a newsletter describing alQaws’ most important news and achievements. The last few months were exceptional for us, so much so that we realize we have opened a new chapter for our organization and its journey. We share with you here a summary of events and recent developments, particularly during the month of August 2019.

Anncouncing our Queer Youth Camp!

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0200

We are pleased to invite you to join alQaws’ first queer youth camp, which will be held between the days 30-31 of August. The camp provides an oppurtinity for LGBT/queer people between the ages 18-24 to meet and discuss basic concepts about sexual and gender diversity and explore different aspects of their sexuality and its relationship with society.

The Camp aims is to provide space for participants to share their experiences and knowledge through interactive workshops, lectures, and fun educational activities. Our collective work in the camp will open up new questions and discussions that should help participants understand their sexual and gender experiences, and give them an opportunity to build a shared vision about the possibilities of queer life in Palestine. The camp is run by a group of alQaws activists with a background in social work and facilitating youth group, as well as in-depth knowledge of sexual and gender diversity.

Palestinian Voices Condemn Violence Against LGBTQ people

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0200

One Collective, Assertive and Responsible Voice:

Stop Violence Against LGBTQ people in Palestine

On Friday, July 26th, 2019, a Palestinian teen from the northern village of Tamra (48’ areas) was severely stabbed by his brother over his suspected gender and sexual identity. The incident took place near an LGBT youth shelter in Tel Aviv. After surgery and spending time in the ICU, thankfully they survived and are now slowly recovering in the hospital.

Spring Newsletter 2019: Growing Possibilities, Broadening Our Reach

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0200

Wrapping up last year and embarking on this one, we started with full enthusiasm and anticipation, with a new phase and strategic vision that aspires to increase and intensify the visibility of sexual and gender diversity in Palestine.

We began this year just as we envisioned and even surpassed our own expectations, as we expanded alQaws’ community outreach through various grassroots projects and initiatives, like our famous youth oriented comic series and the distribution of an educational flyer across 7 different university campuses, and through dedicating resources to strengthen alQaws’ activists’ capacities in projects like our “alKhat-Listening & Information Hotline” and our educational training team

alQaws’ Impact in 2018: Visible & Persistent

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0200

At the end of every year and the start of another, alQaws publishes its annual report highlighting the accomplishments and transformations in our work. "Ten Years of alQaws: Looking Back, Pressing Ahead" was the title of our last annual report, and indeed that was the theme for the entire year of 2017. Today we return, never running short of reasons to celebrate or milestones to chronicle. This year we embark on a new journey with you, as we wrap up our strategic plan for the last three years (2016-2018) and prepare for the next three.

Singing Sexuality Releases Last Single of 2018

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws’ music production project Singing Sexuality, initially launched in 2013, made a comeback in 2018 with 3 singles: the first was el-Ossa Hiyyi Hiyyi (Same Old Story) by Ramallah-based artist Yusor, and Ma Betghayyerni (You Won’t Change Me) by Bashar Murad from Jerusalem. Today, Singing Sexuality introduces its last release of the year, “Khali Hobbak Yekhtar” (Let Your Love Decide) by Haifa-based group Darbet Shams.

alQaws Launches “Tarwiha” Comic Book in Haifa

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0200

We read their stories online. Now it is time to see them on paper for us to keep and cherish.

alQaws organized a launch event today for the print version of its Tarwiha* comic series. The launch included a discussion about the process of creating the series at alQaws, imagining spaces to express sexuality through visual language, and educational questions addressing sexual and gender diversity among youth and adolescents. Copies of the comic book were handed out for a small fee, and we raised our glass and danced together to celebrate the launch.

alQaws in Summer ‘18

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Summer ’18 was chockfull of action for alQaws: celebrating the conclusion of some projects, relaunching others, and exploring new ventures. We are thrilled to share a few of these accomplishments with you!

Teacher Training in I'billin

With the start of summer, alQaws concluded a training course for teachers and educators at Mar Elias High School in the village of I’billin. The training began in March and ran for 3 months.

alQaws Director talks to QX Magazine about Queer Organizing in Palestine

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200

In her interview with QX (the largest Swedish LGBT magazine), alQaws director Haneen Maikey talks about grassroots queer organizing in Palestine, and the transformation alQaws is leading in Palestinian soceity. Originally published here.

Hbtq-organisationen ”alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society” är en gräsrotsorganisation som jobbar för att förändra den allmänna attityden till sexualitet, sexuell läggning och genus i det palestinska samhället.

När jag kallar henne aktivist säger hon att hon själv försöker kalla sig för ”queer community organizer” eftersom det bättre beskriver den roll hon har idag.

alQaws Releases Second Single from “Singing Sexuality 2”

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws released last week the second single from its musical project “Singing Sexuality 2”. The song, titled “Ma Betghayyerni” (Meaning “You Won’t Change Me”), is written, composed, and performed by Jerusalem-based artist Bashar Murad.

Following the first single launched in July, Ma Betghayyerni comes as a continuation to the second iteration of the project Singing Sexuality, originally launched in 2013. This year the project shifted from a single album launch, to separate single releases.

alQaws Releases First Single from “Singing Sexuality 2”

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Today, alQaws released the first single from its musical project “Singing Sexuality 2” (“Ghanni ‘An al-Ta’rif 2” in Arabic). The song “el-Ossa Hiyyi Hiyyi” (meaning “Same Old Story”) is written, composed, and performed by the artist Yusor.

The single is born out of the experience of many queer relationships, which constantly face social challenges and scrutiny, where one partner is left hesitant and unsure of their situation, considering their same-sex relationship “uncomfortable” and outside of the norm.

alQaws Releases Comic Series Highlighting Queer Experiences at School

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Majd, Sari, Rasha, and Rani—the comic series “Tarwiha” features these four queer characters living different sexual and gender experiences. Their lives differ, yet they intersect. They all meet up after school to share the experiences, stories, and challenges they face during the day.

In this youth-oriented comic series, alQaws aims to feature young queer voices, by sharing stories that queer youth have seen, heard, or lived at school. In recent years, alQaws has realized the significance of addressing the diversity of sexual and gender experiences in schools, choosing to highlight them through an exciting visual storytelling medium that can reach parents, teachers, and, most importantly, students.

New Poster: Violence Against LGBTQ People

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0200

"Violence Against LGBTQ People"

What?

The marginalization, exclusion, and harm faced by LGBTQ individuals as well as people with any sexual or gender orientations, behaviors, or expressions considered non-normative or socially unacceptable. It ranges from ongoing daily implicit violence, to the more explicit and more direct.

When? Who?

Violence could occur anywhere, from the most intimate places (at home, in a classroom, in therapy), to the most public spaces (in the street, the neighborhood, the school yard).

Ten Years of alQaws: Looking Back, Pressing Ahead

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0200

We're pleased to share with you our 2017 annual report "Ten Years of alQaws: Looking Back, Pressing Ahead", which highlights the last ten years of alQaws and some major milestones along the way. Click the image below to view the full report. For the Arabic version, click here.

Dear Friends,

Although turmoil and uncertainty about the future encircle us yet again, the closing of one year always brings with it the potential for renewal—for spotting hope on the horizon of the new year. This year, we celebrate an important milestone not only for the queer community in Palestine, but for our whole society: 10 years since the formation of alQaws, Palestinian society’s largest and most influential organization for building strong LGBT/queer communities and for bringing about a social and cultural upheaval when it comes to our society’s response to gender and sexual diversity.

alQaws’ Accomplishments for 2016 Queer Organizing in Palestine: Stronger Leadership and Growing Visibility

Sun, 18 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Dear Friends,

More than ever, we at alQaws are proud to share with you the main highlights and accomplishments from 2016. This year flew by, so this is the perfect opportunity for us to take the time to reflect on the work led by our remarkable activists and dedicated staff, and to share it with you. Yes, we are tired, but the undeniable momentum we have built up over this and prior years has already started to spark our energy and fuel our sense of hope for another dynamic and fulfilling year.

alQaws' Significant Accomplishments in 2015

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws community is proud to share with you our main highlights and accomplishments from 2015. We are excited to close a very dynamic and fulfilling year, with success in sustaining and developing existing projects, developing strategies for important new initiatives, reaching out and engaging new target groups, and expanding our amazing communities and leadership across Palestine. As 2015 comes to an end, we look forward to welcoming 2016 with a new exciting 3-year strategic plan, which will help alQaws sustain its work and expand our impact. Our 2015 accomplishments and successes provide a strong base for our future work.

Rapid Assessment on MSMs’ Knowledge, Attitudes & Sexual Practices

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws is pleased to launch, in partnership with UNDP/PAPP, a preliminary assessment of high-risk behaviors in men, with special focus on men having sex with men (MSMs) in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.

The assessment, launched in February 2015, includes an initial exploratory rapid assessment that will provide preliminary and baseline data. Based on the findings of this assessment, a second larger scale phase may be undertaken to further explore participant’s knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the attitudes and behaviours concerning healthy sexual practices among the target group.

Thank You Darkmatter!

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Our deepest gratitude goes out to Darkmatter, trans South Asian activists in the United States and longtime friends to alQaws, for their tremendous efforts in organizing a successful solidarity fundraising campaign for alQaws.

The campaign, which involved an indiegogo campaign as well as a special Art and Activism event in New York City ended January 15th.

Over 188 indiegogo funders and over 100 attendees to the event collectively raised over $6400 (exceeding the organizers’ goal of $6,000: www.indiegogo.com).

al Qaws 2014 Accomplishments

Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0200

In an attempt to summarize a full and dynamic year, alQaws activists, leadership and staff community, are proud to share the main accomplishments and highlights we had in 2014.

We consider last year a year of leap in visibility inside LGBTQ communities, civil society organizations and across different geographical areas. While there are still much to do in this regard, we felt by the below initiatives and projects we were able to lay down a strong base of the future work that we are excited to start.

Here are some of our highlights in 2014:

alQaws September Newsletter

Sun, 28 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0200

- The Haifa based discussion forum "Hawamesh (The Arabic for ‘Margins’)" is planed to take place this Tuesday, 30/9, 7 PM, at alQaws office in Haifa

- Esmail Nashif's new lecture "The Journey of Discovering Eden" is online now on alQaws website

- Read alQaws Statement regarding the media response to Israel's blackmailing of gay Palestinians

- "My Sexuality and Society: Knowledge & Impact": a new weekly youth group will start on October 13th, in Haifa

alQaws launches revamped website with new content and design

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society proudly announces the launch of our revamped website, which introduces new Arabic and English content and design, and seeks outside feedback.

Our redesigned website is an innovative platform for expressing our vision and sharing our agenda, ongoing projects, and worldviews on sexual and gender diversity issues. The site provides outsiders with an additional access point to alQaws, allowing us to more comprehensively communicate our work’s local, cultural, and political contexts.

“Ghanni A`an Taa`rif”

Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

“Ghanni A`an Taa`rif” (Singing Sexuality) is a Palestinian youth music project, and an initiative of alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society. The project emerged from the desire of alQaws activists to reach out to Palestinian youth. alQaws aspired to open new discussions about sexuality and gender diversity in Palestinian society through music. Music is an expressive art form that has the potential to make us think and feel; it is a driver and catalog of revolutionary social movements, this one no exception.