News on Al-Qaws

Reflecting on Queerness in Times of Genocide

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

At a time when the world's attention is focused on Palestine, we are looking outward from within - our land holds not only the immense pain and loss of the past and present, but also the steadfastness, hope, and longing for liberation and return. Over the past eight months, queer anticolonial social and political movements across Palestine have watched in despair as the horror of the most live-streamed genocide of our lives unfolds. The absence of a clear political horizon, coupled with feelings of pain, helplessness, and frustration, is compounded by the increasing number of Gazans killed, the abduction of hundreds of Palestinian activists from Jerusalem and the West Bank and 48 territories, the escalating settler violence, and displacement of our people from our lands.

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.

On the Question of: Coming Out

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0200

ِAs queer / LGBTQA folks, we tend to think a lot about the concept of "coming out" - sharing our sexual orientation and/or gender experience with others.

This workshop is a space to share and reflect on our feelings, thoughts, and attitudes towards this topic, and attempt to deconstruct it, understand it, and frame it:

How do we deal with "coming out" on different levels?
What personal, social, and politlca factors are at play here?
What does "coming out" mean to each of us?
How is this affected by our lived reality and our culture?

The workshop will take place for 2 hours via Zoom on Tuesday between 5:00-7:00 PM, and participants will be required to register.

Our Queer Life: Coming Out

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0200

Over the weekend, alQaws launched a new edition of “Our Queer Life”, an interactive space on our Instagram story which encourages queer Palestinians to share, reflect on, and engage with different issues, concerns, and questions that affect us in our day-to-day lives. This time we explore our relationship with "coming out".

We shared many different articles, photos, videos, and podcasts over two days. Through the different materials as well as interactive questions, we reflected on the idea of sharing our orientations and experiences with others, what comes to mind when thinking of "coming out", the opportunities and costs of "coming out" in different places, and seeing this process as a complex personal path dependant on many variables.

Jerusalem: A Queer and Feminist Reading of the City

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society is pleased to invite you to its third Hawamesh forum this year, “Jerusalem: A Queer and Feminist Reading of the City,” on Monday 25 October 2021 at 6:00 PM at Yabus Cultural Center (Marakech Hall).

“Hawamesh” (margins) is an intellectual and cultural forum that aims to bring social and political discussions around gender and sexuality from the margins to the center of Palestinian discourse, challenging their marginalisation and emphasising their relevance to all members of society. Hawamesh is also an opportunity to bring alQaws and alQaws activists into closer contact and direct communication with larger circles in the local community.

A Rallying Cry for Queer Liberation 2021

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0200

A Rallying Cry for Queer Liberation 2021

Sunday, September 5

Haifa

Fueled by the latest Palestinian uprising, which has ignited unprecedented feelings of unity and hope, love and anger, exhaustion and frustration, we invite you to join our rallying cry for queer liberation!

We will raise our voices and bring our queer experiences to the forefront to confront violence and marginalization, reaffirming our collective responsibility as a society towards sexual and gender diversity. The time for our collective liberation is now!

New Queer Youth Group in Jerusalem!

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0200

New Queer Youth Group in Jerusalem!

“Me, My Sexuality, and Society: Exploration, Knowledge, and Impact”

alQaws is organizing a new queer youth group, and this time in Jerusalem!

The group’s diverse and exciting program will include:

Sharing our personal experiences and exchanging support, knowledge, and expertise.
Exploring our upbringings, roles, and identities, and the power dynamics that rule them.
Reflecting on our attitudes towards and challenges related to our sexuality and to sexual and gender diversity issues.
Exploring personal and collective opportunities and skills, and developing them.

Our Queer Life: The Latest Uprising

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0200

Through many different articles, photos, videos, and podcasts, as well as interactive questions, we shared and reflected on our mixed emotions, our presence in the street, our complicated relationship with society, our roles, and different oppurtunities that may exist.

REGISTER NOW An Online Seminar: Palestine Through the Lens of Queer Politics

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0200

An Online Seminar

Palestine Through the Lens of Queer Politics

Feminist and Queer Reflections on the Latest Palestinian Uprising

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0200

Over the past few months, Palestinians have been rising up to call for our liberation from all colonial powers. Protests erupted in Jerusalem, Haifa, Yafa, and al-Lidd, along with several areas in the West Bank, as the “Israeli” military continued its aggression and destruction in the Gaza Strip.

In recent weeks, this wave of resistance continued in the protests against the Palestinian Authority following the assassination of political activist Nizar Banat, and later as the PA carried out its suppression and violent assault against protestors.

On the Question of: Our Experiences during the Uprising

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0200

We invite you to an online workshop for LGBTQA/queer floks to share how we feel about everything we went through during the latest Palestinian uprising and up until now. How have we we lived and interacted with the events around? How has the uprising impacted us as LGBTQA/queer people?

The workshop aims to create a space to share and reflect on our experiences, feelings and thoughts about this period. How have we tackled and will continue to tackle protests and political activities in the future? How do they impact us and our relationships with our surroundings and society? What is there to gain from this period, if any, in terms of opportunities to develop our relationships as individuals with one another, and as a collective with our society?

alQaws Holds Study Day with Palestinian Counseling Center

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0200

On 6 April 2021, alQaws held a study day with the Palestinian Counceling Center (PCC) to discuss and launch “The Interaction of Palestinian Families with Diverse Gender and Sexual Experiences” alQaws’ most recent field study.

The day commenced with opening statements from both organizations. Haneen Sader, alQaws Director, applauded the partnership with PCC and valued their professionality, in spite of facing violence and incitement in the 2 weeks prior to the event. Khaled Obeidat from PCC emphasized the importance of this step in line with the center’s vision and objectives. The main session, streamed live on alQaws Facebook page, brought together experts and scholars to discuss the different aspects of the study. Haneen Maikey, former Director of alQaws and one of the research authors, gave an overview of the research process and its context.

On the Question of: Holidays and Family

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0200

Holidays tend to bring up many thoughts, feelings, and questions about our relationship to our family, whether we even see them during this time, or not.

We invite you to participate in an online support workshop to share reflect on our feelings, thoughts, and attitudes towards family and the holidays, as queer and trans people. How do we deal with this period? How does it reflect on us and our relationships with our families? What can be gained during this time, in terms of opportunities to develop these relationships?

The Interaction of Palestinian Families with Diverse Gender and Sexual Experiences

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0200

This research comes as a part of alQaws’s work in knowledge production around sexual and gender diversity issues in Palestinian society; specifically in the field of mental and community health. Out of all the many different fields in which alQaws works in, we took it upon ourselves to initiate the production of local knowledge within the Palestinian context, and this report constitutes a qualitative leap in this field.

The knowledge production process is accompanied by constant and continuous work in the field with people of different and diverse sexual orientations and gender experiences, along with civil society organizations and different groups of professionals. In regards to supporting queer and trans folk, alQaws provides a listening and information hotline service, alKhat, which provides a space to share, reflect, and obtain information related to sexual and gender diversity issues. This service has been provided for over a decade via phone and chat.

Our Queer Life: Bodies

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0200

We shared many different articles, photos, videos, and podcasts over two days. Through the different materials as well as interactive questions, we reflected on social norms regarding weight, femininity/masculinity, and skin color, among others. We examined how these norms affect us and our friendships, relationships, and mental health.

Sexual and Gender Diversity Issues in the Political Palestinian Landscape

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws is delighted to invite you to the first Hawamesh discussion of 2021, titled “Sexual and Gender Diversity Issues in the Political Palestinian Landscape.” The event is taking place on Wednesday the 17th of March, at 7pm via Zoom.

Society’s tackling of gender diversity issues has changed significantly over the past two years, as it became more public, and significantly more widely discussed, whether on political, educational, or media platforms. This shift is the result of the continuous and prominent efforts of queer Palestinian activists.

New Queer Youth Group in Haifa!

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0200

New Queer Youth Group in Haifa!

“Me, My Sexuality, and Society: Exploration, Knowledge, and Impact”

alQaws is organizing a new queer youth group, and this time in Haifa!

The group’s diverse and exciting program will include:

Sharing our personal experiences and exchanging support, knowledge, and expertise.
Exploring our upbringings, roles, and identities, and the power dynamics that rule them.
Reflecting on our attitudes towards and challenges related to our sexuality and to sexual and gender diversity issues.
Exploring personal and collective opportunities and skills, and developing them.

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 Fellowship 2021: Palestine Through the Lens of Queer Politics

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws Fellowship:

Palestine Through the Lens of Queer Politics

(3-month; part-time; Depending on Covid situation, either remote or based in Jerusalem, Palestine)

alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society is seeking a fellow for a three-month political education program focused on cross-border networking, knowledge-sharing, and movement building for LGBTQ Palestinians.

For over a decade, alQaws has shown that LGBTQ Palestinians are an integral and active part of our society. This fellowship invites LGBTQ Palestinians outside Palestine to strengthen the ties with our political home.

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.

[Webinar] Beyond Propaganda: Reorienting Anti-Pinwashing Organizing

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0200

In this community conversation between alQaws and Adalah Justice Project, on the occasion of alQaws’ launch of a new resource on pinkwashing, we’ll be discussing the work of the Palestinian queer movement, how to reorient our understanding of pinkwashing, and the future of collective organizing towards the free Palestine we dream.

Over a decade ago, activists adopted the term “pinkwashing” to describe the Israeli propaganda tactic of ‘washing away’ the oppression of Palestinians by painting Israel as a gay-friendly and liberal state. Israeli pinkwashing tries to win the hearts and minds of international audiences and prevent solidarity with the Palestinian struggle, so the early years of anti-pinkwashing activism focused on fighting against Israeli state propaganda with campaigns, protests, and academic forums. Activists worked to expose the contradiction at the heart of pinkwashing: it’s impossible for a violent colonial regime to also be a “progressive” state.

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.

Join alQaws’ 12th Annual Training for Hotline Volunteers

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Would you like to join a unique and increasingly expanding project in alQaws?

Would you like to support people seeking a listening ear and information related to sexual/gender identity and sexual orientation?

Do you want to develop your listening and peer-support skills?

Would you like to join a committed team that believes in the importance of volunteering and providing support, as well as contributing to our hotline’s continuous development?

Call for Registration: alQaws’ Fourth Academic School

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws for Sexual & Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society is excited to announce our Fourth Academic School. This year, the School will be held virtually over the period of five weeks, comprising five sessions on September 5, 12, 19, 26 and October 3.

The Academic School is a space for activists and academics to reflect on sexual and gender politics within the settler colonial context in Palestine. alQaws has been organizing the Academic School since 2014 as a unique opportunity to learn, share experiences, and integrate political activism and academia into queer Palestinian liberation discourse.

alQaws' Speech at the "Rallying Cry for Queer Liberation" in Haifa

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:06:00 +0200

Haneen Maikey gives alQaws' speech at the "Rallying Cry for Queer Liberation" protest held in Haifa on Wednesday July 29th.

So much has happened since we gathered here last year, and there is so much to address. We are here today because the question of gender and sexual diversity hasn’t left the headlines in Palestine for over 12 months. It reappears time and time again, in political discussions and social debates, each time exposing discrepancies, double-standards, and heinous violence. In spite of that, we have also witnessed the strength and bravery of Palestinian gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans folks. We have seen our friends, families, and allies finally raise their voices in support of our struggle.

Queer Palestinians gather in Haifa calling for safety and liberation

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Press Release
Queer Palestinians gather in Haifa calling for safety and liberation

On Wednesday, July 29th, alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society along with other queer and feminist Palestinian organizations will hold a protest in occupied Haifa to raise our voices against the patriarchal, colonial, and capitalist oppressions on LGBT and queer Palestinians, and to demand an end to violence against our bodies and lives.

Since August 2019, a seismic upheaval has torn apart the veil of silence that once shrouded the issue of sexual and gender diversity in Palestine. LGBT and queer Palestinians have offered up a revolutionary challenge to the status quo: the era of polite societal denial of our existence is ending. This is in large part due to over two decades of community and movement building efforts led by Palestinian LGBT and queer groups.

[Online Workshop] On The Question of: Coping with Successive Violent Incidents

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0200

As a result of the public discourse over the Palestinian tahini company “Al Arz” and its support for LGBT rights, the previous others that tackled LGBTQ+ people even after their death, and the successive violent incidents that we endure constantly, many thoughts, feelings and doubts rise to the surface, and they collectively become more complex during both the coronavirus pandemic and the social and political turbulences.

Al-Qaws invites you to a digital workshop that discusses the current situation, these incidents, and how they affect us as LGBTQ+ people.

Queer Discussions in the Region: Media, Authority and Society

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Over the past year, we witnessed many incidents and events related to sexual and gender diversity issues take center stage in public debate in the region; from the statement of the Palestinian Police in August 2019 banning and actively inciting against aQaws’ work; to public debate over queer issues in the Lebanese revolution since last October; to the outing campaign and violent incidents against queer folks in Morocco recently, and many other debates and events that widely stirred public opinion.

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.

[VIDEO] Pandemic Challenges: Queer and Feminist Perspectives in the Region

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0200

On Wednesday, 15th of May, 2020, alQaws hosted an open webinar titled “Pandemic Challenges: Queer and Feminist Perspectives in the Region”. Four Arab institutions that work on sexual and gender diversity and sexuality in general participated.

The meeting came as an opportunity among alQaws' attempts to adjust its work to the new situation due to the coronavirus pandemic. These attempts include communicating with the public, and even growing it to include different Arab countries. In addition, the meeting constituted an opportunity for a deeper cooperation between ally institutions, and a space to share our experiences and challenges.

Pandemic Challenges: Queer and Feminist Perspectives in the Region

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0200

There is no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has created various questions and challenges in the face of LGBTQ individuals and other marginalized groups in the society. As a result, this in its turn creates specific challenges for the groups and organizations that are active on gender and sexual diversity issues.

Therefore, as a way of acknowledging the complex situation, and recognizing our political and intellectual responsibility to share our experiences and expertise, we are delighted to invite you to a virtual meeting that deals with the political and professional challenges of the pandemic, and especially those that face the feminist and queer organizations and groups. The meeting will tackle many subjects such as the pandemic’s impact on LGBTQ people and other marginalized groups; the state’s intensified exploitation of the current crisis to regulate our bodies and sexuality; and the continuation of our work as queer and feminist organizations and groups, among others.

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.

New from Singing Sexuality: Minkom O Feekom

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Minkom O Feekom is a new musical production, a medley of 4 music tracks, for Ghanni 3an Ta3rif (Singing Sexuality) project, an educational musical project that is led and produced by alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society. The new medley from ‘Ghanni’ explores how Palestinian and regional traditional (Shami) folk music can be a space to share our lived experiences as LGBTQ Palestinians.

“Minkom O Feekom” is a colloquial way for us to say we are an integral part of society, a statement against social denial and colonial narratives isolating Palestinian queers from Palestinian society, and an invitation for our society to engage in a discussion around sexual and gender diversity in Palestine.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 20/12/2019

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0200

***Palestinian Queer Party***

Friday 20/12/2019
18:30- 00:00
Address: Art Club, 9 Ha'shakh st.

Arabic Dance Music, Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

***Tickets***
Until 8pm: 35NIS
After 8pm: 45 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years

IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party and NO PICTURES POLICY
For more info: info@alqaws.org

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.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 25/10/2019

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0200

***Palestinian Queer Party***

Friday 25/10/2019
18:30- 00:00
Address: Art Club, 9 Ha'shakh st
Arabic Dance Music, Palestinian Drag Shows, and more

***Tickets***
Until 8pm: 35NIS
After 8pm: 45 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years

IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party and NO PICTURES POLICY

For more info: info@alqaws.org

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.

alQaws Training for Institutions: Significant Progress in Social Discussion

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

alQaws Training for Institutions: Significant Progress in Social Discussion

In the first week of July, alQaws has completed its annual training for civil society institutions in Ramallah for the fifth consecutive year. alQaws held the training at its Ramallah office, with 14 attendees from different institutions from the area.

Participating institutions have varied in terms of the nature and scope of their work and included institutions working on gender issues, such as the Arab Forum for Sexuality, and other human rights and women's organizations such as alHaq in Ramallah, the Rural Women's Association and the Arab Rehabilitation Society.

Wikipedia Writing and Editing Training Completed

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0200

Wikipedia Writing and Editing Training Completed

On Saturday, July 13, 2019, alQaws completed a two-day long intensive training on writing and editing on Wikipedia, which focused on topics related to sexual and gender diversity in Palestine. The training took place at alQaws’s office in Ramallah.

Ten people participated in the training including alQaws activists, coming from various cities such as Ramallah, Jerusalem, Nablus and Haifa. The meetings were facilitated by a Wikipedia activist.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 31.05.2019

Sat, 25 May 2019 00:00:00 +0200

***Palestinian Queer Party***
Friday 31-5-2019
18:30- 00:00
Address: Art Club, 9 Ha'shakh st.

Arabic Dance Music, Palestinian Drag Shows, and more.

***Tickets***
Until 8pm: 35NIS
After 8pm: 45 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party and NO PICTURES POLICY
For more info: info@alqaws.org

Fifth Annual Training for Civil Society Organizations in Ramallah

Sat, 11 May 2019 00:00:00 +0200

Fifth Annual Training for Civil Society Organizations in Ramallah

11-05-2019

Invitation to Register

Sexual and Gender Diversity in the Palestinian Society: Key Concepts and Terminology

Fifth Annual Training for Civil Society Organizations in Ramallah

June - July 2019

We are pleased to invite you to attend the 5th Annual Civil Society Training in Ramallah, which provides an important forum for discussion on the issues of sexual and gender diversity in the Palestinian society and its intersections with our different social and professional roles.

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

New Training Course for Alkhat: Listening & Information Hotline 2019

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0200

We are pleased to announce the opening of a training course for new volunteers who are interested in joining our “alKhat - Listening & Information Hotline” team.

The training course is planned to start at the end of May 2019, and extends over 12 meetings (60 hours of training). The location of the training will be determined based on where most of the participants live.

The training course is open to those who identify as LGBTQ/queer and are over 23 years old who are interested in developing their listening and support skills in a professional peer-to-peer setting.

alQaws Distributes Thousands of Flyers on University Campuses

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0200

On Tuesday morning, the 26th of March, dozens of activists from all around Palestine distributed thousands of flyers in universities in Palestine, including at An-Najah National University, Birzeit University, and Al Quds University in Abu Dis, in addition to distributing them to Palestinian students at universities in Haifa and other cities in the ‘48 territories.

The flyer — titled “Did You Know?”— included five short sentences that challenge the sexual and gender binaries that dominate Palestinian society and erase the rich sexual and gender diversity in Palestine.

Tarwiha 2, Queer Youth Comics: Tackling Family Relationships

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0200

On Wednesday, March 20, alQaws launched the second season of our queer youth comic series “Tarwiha” with a revamped visual style and a more nuanced educational approach. The season’s first episode highlights the bittersweet nature of our relationship with family, and the tension between two essential, yet often separate, parts of lives: our family and our (queer) friends.

This season features 8 episodes tackling our relationship with family, from daily lived experiences to more tense moments, bringing Tarwiha’s storylines closer to reality with stories and experiences inspired by LGBT/queer youth that we meet..

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 15.03.2019

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0200

Friday 15.03.2019
18:30 - 24:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Facebook Event

Tickets
Until 8pm: 35 NIS
After 8pm: 45 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

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.

Boycott Eurovision in Israel and Tel Aviv Pride

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

New call from Pinkwatching Israel - a global movement for queer powered BDS - to boycott Eurovision in Israel and Tel Aviv Pride. (Originially published here)

In the early morning of June 28, 1969, trans and queer people took the streets of New York City fighting police violence and harassment in their communities. The Stonewall Riots symbolize LGBTQIA resistance against daily harassment, assault, death and violence. Enough was enough!

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.

Tarwiha Comic Book Release and Discussion in Jerusalem

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

alQaws organized an open discussion event today in Jerusalem addressing sexual and gender diversity issues in schools, where we released our recently launched Tarwiha* comic book.

The discussion highlighted the experiences of LGBTQ/queer people in school, exploring Tarwiha both artistically and as an educational platform for bringing these issues to light.

The event started with a queer reading and artistic critique of the comic series, followed by commentary from an education specialist. A conversation then ensued about gender-based violence and alQaws’ field perspective addressing it in recent years.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 14.12.2018

Sun, 02 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 14.12.2018
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

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 Party & Fundraiser in NYC

Sat, 29 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200

In support of alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society

Tuesday, October 2
7pm Door & drink specials // 8 Live performances // 10pm DJ Fursa & dancing
Starr Bar, 214 Starr St, Brooklyn
Tickets: $10-$20 sliding scale [No one turned away for lack of funds]

Facebook event

Come join us for a night of performances and partying to raise funds for alQaws for Sexual & Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society. Headquartered in occupied Jerusalem, alQaws is at the forefront of vibrant Palestinian cultural and social change, building queer and trans communities and promoting new ideas about the role of gender and sexuality -- be it in resistance to Israeli occupation and apartheid or everyday life.

Support alQaws – Kickstart the Next 10 Years

Sat, 29 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING 10 YEARS, AND SUPPORT US AS WE EMBARK ON THE NEXT 10!

Support us here: https://donorbox.org/alqaws

The Last Ten | Since forming ten years ago, alQaws has emerged as the leading grassroots Palestinian LGBTQ led movement supporting individuals, building up communities, and transforming society across divisions—colonial, cultural, social, economic, etc.

Our work began in Jerusalem with a handful of activists seeking space to gather and with a vision for a society that embraces gender and sexual diversity. It has grown to include centralized hubs of work and spaces in 4 cities (and expanding), and programs and projects that reach LGBTQ individuals, youth, and communities, as well teachers, families, mental health professionals, musicians, journalists, civil society organizations, and more.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 05.10.2018

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 05.10.2018
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

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 Concludes Annual Training for Hotline Volunteers

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws concluded its annual training for new volunteers at “alKhat: Listening and Information Hotline.” The 12-week training ran from May to August 2018 for a total of 60 hours in Yaffa.

The 8 new volunteers will join a committed team of 15 activists running alQaws’ national hotline every Sunday and Wednesday via phone and chat at www.alkhat.org.

Offered annually, the training is open to people of queer experience over the age of 23. Volunteers are guided to develop their listening and support skills in a professional peer-support environment. Applicants are interviewed prior to joining the training course.

alQaws Concludes Third Academic School for Sexual and Gender Diversity

Sat, 04 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Today, alQaws concluded the Third Academic School for Sexual and Gender Diversity. The event titled “On Violence: Sexual Politics in the Colonial Context of Palestine” ran for three days in Beit Jala.

The School, organized by alQaws for its third run since 2014, took up the theme of “violence” as a topic to analyze through the lens of sexual politics under colonialism. Since the last Academic School in 2016, the notion of violence—in its different forms—became at the center of alQaws’ work, as highlighted by the social media campaign launched by alQaws last year tackling the violence experienced by queer Palestinians.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 10.08.2018

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 10.08.2018
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

alQaws Holds Therapist Guidebook Discussions

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Following the publishing of “Introduction to Sexual and Gender Diversity for Mental Health Professionals,” it was necessary to expand the conversation around it, and to allow professionals the space to discuss its contents with a critical lens.

In July, alQaws organized 3 events in Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Shefa-'Amr to discuss the guidebook among mental health professionals. Tens of therapists, educators, and social workers attended the events.

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.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 22.06.2018

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

Facebook Event

Friday 22.06.2018
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Boycott the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival 2018

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0200

New call from Pinkwatching Israel - a global movement for queer powered BDS - to boycott the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival.

Palestinian queers and their allies in the BDS movement call for a boycott of the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival (TLVFest) taking place between May 31- June 9 2018. We call on international filmmakers to withdraw their movies from the festival and respect the Palestinian call for a cultural boycott of Israel until Palestinians have their human rights respected. Palestinians are calling for people of conscience around the world to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law, including a call for artists not to perform or show their work in Israel. The Palestinian cultural boycott call has been heeded by a growing number of cultural figures from around the world including filmmakers John Greyson, Mira Nair, Ken Loach,The Yes Men and Mike Leigh. It sends Israel the message that there is no business as usual for as long as Israel continues to oppress and deny rights to Palestinians.

BOYCOTT TEL AVIV PRIDE 2018!

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Pinkwatching Israel – a global movement for queer powered BDS – is launching its new campaign "BOYCOTT TEL AVIV PRIDE! SAY NO TO PINKWASHING OF ISRAELI APARTHEID!"

Israel’s Tel Aviv Pride claims to celebrate diversity, but underneath the rainbow Israel is hiding more than 70 years of occupation, colonialism and apartheid. The annual Tel Aviv Pride events including the main parade are used by the Israeli government as an exercise in public diplomacy and to whitewash its daily violations of Palestinian human rights. Israeli government agencies work hand-in-hand with Israeli LGBTQ organisations to promote Tel Aviv as a liberal haven in order to distract international attention from its daily violations of Palestinian rights. The Tel Aviv Pride Industry does not stand on its own. Each year, international journalists, LGBTQ organizations, the gay party and business circuit, gay travel organizations, artists, drag queens, and filmmakers are invited not only to promote and attend Tel Aviv Pride, but moreover to give legitimacy to Israel’s ongoing oppression of Palestinians.

New Teacher Training in I'billin

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0200

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’ teacher training program aims to expand the conversation around sexual and gender diversity in schools. It provides basic knowledge to educators and opens the space to ask questions and share the difficulties facing teachers.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 27.04.2018

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 27.04.2018
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Social Media Campaign Marks New Milestone in Palestinian Queer Organizing

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0200

(This article was originally published in Arabic on Arab48)

Over the last decade, a queer organizing movement has been emerging in Palestinian civil society, aiming to highlight the sexual and gender diversity in Palestinian society. The movement began to gain momentum with the founding of alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society over ten years ago. Started as a small group of Palestinian queer activists living mainly in Jerusalem and Ramallah, the group is now one of the largest and most influential Palestinian organizations in this field.

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).

Queer Youth Group Concludes in Nazareth

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws concluded a queer youth group in Nazareth which ran from December 2017 to March 2018. The 12-week process delved into personal attitudes regarding sexuality as well as personal experiences and stories. Participants also discussed challenges related to identity and social change from individual, family, and societal levels.

alQaws youth groups are held periodically in different areas in Palestine. The groups cater to lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer youth of various sexual and gender experiences.

alQaws Holds Study Day on Sexual and Gender Diversity in Therapy

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Today, alQaws held a study day on “Sexual and Gender Diversity Issues in Psychological Intervention” at the Palestine Red Crescent Society headquarters in al-Bireh/Ramallah. The event was attended by over 70 Palestinian psychologists, social workers, psychology students, and mental health professionals.

The study day was organized as the advocacy activity required of the first therapist advocacy group in Ramallah, which was held for a full year with alQaws activists and coducted by educational consultant Mustafa Shalata. The event included lectures and panels addressing basic concepts related to sexual and gender diversity, as well as the individual, familial, and societal factors affecting the experiences of LGBTQ people, and how they manifest in counseling or therapy.

Haneen Maikey Talks to Astraea Foundation about alQaws' Work

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0200

(Originally published on Astraea's website here)

alQaws, founded in 2007, is the leading Palestinian LGBTQ organization working directly with Palestinian civil society to create a sustainable, persistent, community-based social change movement.

In the above video, founder Haneen Maikey discusses the organization’s work and what it’s meant to receive support from Astraea.

Learn more about alQaws.

Join us to support organizations like alQaws who are leading transformative movements for social change in their communities in the U.S. and around the world!

alQaws Publishes Guidebook for Mental Health Professionals

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0200

This month alQaws published the guidebook “Introduction to Sexual and Gender Diversity for Mental Health Professionals,” which aims to assist mental health professionals in dealing with sexual and gender diversity issues within their field.

This guidebook is widely seen as the first attempt to provide a simple introduction to these issues, as well as a credible reference that deals with the basic questions posed by mental health professionals. The guide aims to advance how sexual and gender diversity is approached in the field of mental health, and to enable professionals to have more productive discussions within their circles regarding these topics.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 9.3.2018

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 9.3.2018
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

“Jadaliyya” Publishes New Articles on Sexual Politics in Palestine

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Sexual Politics in the Colonial Context of Palestine

An Introduction

By: Aamer Ibraheem

(Originally published on Jadaliyya.com in Arabic)

Knowledge has long traveled across different geographies and cultures. This constant movement and creation of ideas and concepts offers us a lens through which to view ourselves and analyze our realities. Historically, ideologies either travel forcibly through the hegemonic powers of their creators, or arise as a response to those powers. Yet, in some rare cases knowledge can emerge independent of this reactionary dynamic. However, this notion of “traveling theory,” as Edward Said describes it^[1], tends to be based on the violent clash between the knowledge created to control and the knowledge created to liberate. On this journey following the routes of knowledge, we must ask ourselves the question “how did we come to know what we know today?” We need to to examine the political, social, and economic factors affecting our bodies and the processes that allowed us to arrive at a specific type of knowledge while censoring others. The question then becomes “why this knowledge specifically?”

New Poster: What is Sexual Identity?

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0200

(Click the poster above to download it in Arabic)

Sexual Identity:

A term that describes a person’s perception of the many different aspects of their sexuality. There are many components to sexual identity, each carrying its own meaning that evolves and develops throughout a person’s life.

Biological Sex:

A social construct that categorizes people based on their internal and external sex organs, genes, and sex chromosomes, as well as sex hormones. Most people are born with a relative “congruence” between their genetic/biological and hormonal makeup, and are therefore classified as “male” or “female.” The medical system and society at large usually choose to determine a person’s biological sex as “male” or “female” according to their external sex organs. In reality, people are born with diverse biological, chromosomal, and/or hormonal differences, or variances in their secondary sex characteristics. Many of these people cannot be conclusively assigned “male” or “female” at birth according to medical, legal, and/or social standards. The medical term intersex is often used to describe them.

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.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 22.12.2017

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 22.12.2017
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Check out the dates of our queer parties in 2017

alQaws Publishes Guidebook for Journalists

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws published earlier this month the guidebook “Journalism Guidelines for Covering Sexual and Gender Diversity Issues.” It serves as handbook for journalists, media outlets, journalism students, and activists covering stories related to people’s lived sexual and gender experiences, which are mostly marginalized in the media.

This guide comes as part of alQaws’ efforts to work with Palestinian media outlets regarding issues of sexual and gender diversity. The two-year research project titled “Attitudes & Trends in Palestinian Media on Sexual & Gender Diversity Issues” conducted by alQaws last year emphasized the need for professional tools, knowledge, and guidance on individual and institutional levels.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 17.11.2017

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 17.11.2017
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Check out the dates of our queer parties in 2017

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 6.10.2017

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 6.10.2017
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Check out the dates of our queer parties in 2017

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 25.08.2017

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 25.08.2017
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Check out the dates of our queer parties in 2017

Difference never justifies violence - New Social Media Campaign

Sun, 09 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws: for Sexual & Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society and 7amleh: Arab Center for Social Media Advancement" are proud to release the first video of its new social media campaign "Difference never Justifies Violence - stand up against violence toward LGBTQs!" alQaws and 7amleh’s campaign to root out violence against LGBTQs in Palestinian society comprises three videos, as well as a series of posters and educational material, which all appear on a brightly colored mini-website.

We are proud that our first video launch exceeded our expectations and already have more than 36K organic views in less than 24 hours.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 30.06.2017

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 30.06.2017

17:00 - 23:00

Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.

Arabic Dance Music, Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets

Until 8pm: 30 NIS

After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years

IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party

and NO PICTURES POLICY

for more info: info@alqaws.org

Check out the dates of our queer parties in 2017

Boycott the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival

Thu, 18 May 2017 00:10:00 +0200

New call from Pinkwatching Israel - a global movement for queer powered BDS - to boycott the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival.

Palestinian queers and their allies in the BDS movement call for a boycott of the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival (TLVFest) taking place between June 1-10 2017. We call on international filmmakers to withdraw their movies from the festival and respect the Palestinian call for a cultural boycott of Israel until Palestinians have their human rights respected. Like with apartheid South Africa, Palestinians are calling for people of conscience around the world to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law, including a call for artists not to perform or show their work in Israel. The Palestinian cultural boycott call has been heeded by a growing number of cultural figures from around the world including filmmakers John Greyson, Mira Nair, Ken Loach,The Yes Men and Mike Leigh. It sends Israel the message that there is no business as usual for as long as Israel continues to oppress and deny rights to Palestinians.

BOYCOTT TEL AVIV PRIDE 2017!

Thu, 18 May 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Pinkwatching Israel – a global movement for queer powered BDS – is launching its new campaign “Israeli Occupation, Colonialism, Apartheid! Don’t ‘Let it B’! Boycott Tel Aviv Pride 2017!”

Israel’s Tel Aviv Pride 2017 claims to celebrate diversity, but underneath the rainbow Israel is hiding 69 years of occupation, colonialism and apartheid. While this year’s official theme is acceptance of the bisexual community, with the slogan ‘Let it B,’ the annual Tel Aviv Pride Parade is really nothing more than an exercise in international diplomacy. Israeli government agencies work hand-in-hand with Israeli LGBTQ organisations to promote Tel Aviv as a liberal haven in order to distract international attention from its daily violations of Palestinian rights. The Tel Aviv Pride Industry does not stand on its own. Each year, international journalists, LGBTQ organizations, the gay party and business circuit, gay travel organizations, artists, drag queens, and filmmakers are invited not only to promote and attend Tel Aviv Pride, but moreover to give legitimacy to Israel’s ongoing oppression of Palestinians.

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 05.05.2017

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 05.05.2017
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Check out the dates of our queer parties in 2017

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 24.03.2017

Sat, 18 Mar 2017 00:30:00 +0200

Facebook Event

Friday 24.3.2017
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Ha'shakh st.
Arabic Dance Music
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Palestinian Queer Party | Friday 10.2.2017

Sun, 29 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook event

Friday 10.2.2017
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Hashach st.
Arabic Dance Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

alQaws Queer Parties – Dates for 2017

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws queer parties are one of the most significant social gatherings for the Palestinian queer communities; we bring together old and new community members, activists, allies, and friends in a unique and special space to celebrate sexual and gender diversity in Palestine.

alQaws organizes eight queer parties each year in Yaffa, with Arabic bob music and local drag shows.

Dates for 2017:
10.2
24.3
5.5
30.6
25.8
6.10
17.11
22.12

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.

Palestinian Queer Party | Christmas Party \ 23.12.2016

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

Facebook event

Friday 23.12.2016
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Hashach st.
Arabic Dance Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

alQaws' Starts First Therapists' Group in the West Bank

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Building on the success of alQaws' first therapists’ group in Haifa (a 3-year process), we are pleased to announce the inaugural therapists' group in the West Bank on November 8th, 2016. This innovative project, exploring therapeutic applications of sexual and gender diversity, is part of alQaws’ “Professional Advocacy Groups” strategy, a broad initiative that aims to work with different professional groups and meaningfully engage them in the discussion and the activism around sexual and gender diversity in Palestine. This appears to be the first ever professional working group on gender and sexuality in the West Bank and the registered therapists have expressed welcome, anticipation, and excitement.

alQaws’ therapists’ groups rely on peer-to-peer learning to explore issues related to sexuality, sexual identity and gender, as well as their dimensions and presence in therapy. The groups aim to provide space for a learning process that translates knowledge into action and allow participants to explore and reflect on aspects of sexuality and gender in therapy. The groups also aspire to organize professional activities dedicated to the production and development of new intellectual, theoretical, and locally-informed knowledge.

The group meets on Tuesdays between 10:00 - 14:00. Registration is closed.

For more information contact our advocacy and networking coordinator at Mary@alqaws.org.

Akhat's New Stickers

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Palestinian Queer Party \ 14.10.2016

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Facebook event

Friday 14.10.2016
17:00 - 23:00
Address: Duplex Club, 10 Hashach st.
Arabic Dance Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

July Hawamesh: Violence Against Queer Bodies, Local and Global Perspectives

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0200

The July Hawamesh (“on the margins”) meeting will explore aspects of violence against LGBTQ persons and communities from global and local perspectives, through analysis of the Palestinian societal discourse, the forms, manifestations, and projections of violence, and the different ways local Palestinian LGBTQ communities, and society in general, deal with and discuss it.

Monday, July 11, 2016 @ 19:00 in alMahatta, Haifa

For the Facebook event, click here (Arabic Only).

Study Days for Palestinian Journalists in Haifa & Ramallah

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws is pleased to invite Palestinian journalists, reporters, editors, and broadcasters to a special event on alQaws’ newly-released media research, "Attitudes & Trends in Palestinian Media on Sexual & Gender Diversity Issues." The discussions will be held on July 14 and July 19 in Haifa and Ramallah, respectively. The study days provide an important opportunity to share research results and findings, as well as the chance to discuss the research recommendations. The study days are dedicated and open to Palestinian media professionals and journalists only.
For more information: info@alqaws.org

Palestinian Queer Party \ 15.7.2016

Sun, 03 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Palestinian Queer Party
Friday 15.7.2016
17:00 - 23:00
Duplex Club
10 Hashach St., Yaffa (Bet Herzel and Salamih St.)

Arabic Dance Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 8pm: 30 NIS
After 8pm: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Palestinian Queer Party \ 3.6.2016

Mon, 30 May 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Friday 3.6.2016
17:00 - 23:00
Martef Club
2 Habankim st. Haifa

Arabic Dance Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets: 30 NIS
Entrance for 18+ years

IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Facebook event

BOYCOTT TEL AVIV PRIDE 2016

Sat, 28 May 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Pinkwatching Israel – a global movement for queer powered BDS – is launching its new campaign “Boycott Tel Aviv Pride.”

FLY IN WITH PRIDE PLANE, AND SKIP RACIST INTERROGATION

TEL AVIV GAY PRIDE IS ROYALLY SPONSORED BY THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT

Tel Aviv is known as a “top gay destination.” However, gay pride brochures fail to mention that it is also an hour away from the world’s largest open prison, Gaza, and that it is built on stolen land. They forget to mention that the gay soldiers you dance with in the pride parade check, arrest, and kill Palestinians on a daily basis. After your day of pride, some tour operators will take you to Bethlehem or the Dead Sea, without telling you that you will travel through the illegally Occupied Palestinian Territories, or that the wine you are drinking in the Golan Heights comes from businesses that have been declared illegal under International Law.

alQaws Completes Second Educational Program for Teachers in Shefa-amr

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws recently completed a thirty-hour educational training course entitled "Concepts and Tools in Sexual and Gender Diversity" at the Greek Catholic High School in Shefa-amr. Notably, this was the second time alQaws was asked to provide this training module in Shefa-amr, after strong feedback from the initial trainings. This program was specially designed to engage teachers and to address key issues they face while teaching. alQaws trainers provided information about sexual and gender diversity and led discussion about the manifestation of these issues in Palestinian high schools today. The session primarily focused on the role of the professional educator in dealing with students of varying sexual and gender identities and worked to enhance educators' skills in providing safe spaces. The training was developed in partnership with the educational staff at the school and Training Team at alQaws to ensure the specific needs of the school and the educators remained a clear focus throughout the sessions.

The teachers and the educational staff at the school offered strong, positive feedback to alQaws and emphasized the importance of developing new educational tools to offer professional educators guidance on sexual and gender diversity issues inside schools.

Order our training program, specially designed for teachers: email mary@alqaws.org or call 0526946333.

Bring alQaws Educational Training to Your Organization

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0200

In recent years, alQaws has become the primary source of information and knowledge on Sexual and Gender Diversity in the Palestinian context. alQaws’ expertise, which is enhanced by ongoing advocacy and service initiatives in alQaws, grew from years of experience offering educational training for professional staff and activists in civil society organizations (CSOs), political and social movements, and other professional settings. During 2015 alone, alQaws’ educational training team provided over 130 training hours in eight different CSOs and educational institutions, working with youth and marginalized groups from the Galilee, Nazareth, Jaffa, Lod, and East Jerusalem, in addition to providing training for teachers in high schools.

alQaws’ educational training unit aims to provide a wide range of professionals and activists with basic skills, information, and analytical tools on Sexual and Gender Diversity. The goal of this initiative is to develop inclusive workplace strategies and methods, as well as to facilitate effective and inclusive approaches to Sexual and Gender Diversity issues inside civil society organizations and movements. Through its training unit, alQaws offers educational workshops, intensive training sessions, and long-term courses about sexual and gender identity. In addition, alQaws offers one-shot lectures on topics related to the educational, psychological, social, and political aspects of sexuality in Palestine.

To learn more about the alQaws Training Unit and\or to schedule training workshops for your organization, please contact us at:

Tel: 0526946333 (Mary)
Emil: mary@alqaws.org

NEW: Queer Palestinian Forum at Tel Aviv University

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0200

First meeting: Tuesday, April 5th, at 17:00 at Tel Aviv University.
Discussion Topic: Myths about Homosexuality

Palestinian students at Tel Aviv University have organized a queer forum to discuss Sexual and Gender Diversity, the first Palestinian queer youth group ever to exist at Tel Aviv University. This monthly meeting, facilitated by Palestinian students and supported by alQaws, will facilitate an important dialogue situating Sexual and Gender Diversity within Palestinian contexts. This unprecedented forum at Tel Aviv University aspires to provide a safe space for LGBTQ Palestinians and allies, through series of monthly meetings to discuss LGBTQ issues, homosexuality, and Sexual and Gender Diversity.

The first meeting, "Myths about Homosexuality," will involve discussion of universal and local myths and misconceptions about homosexuality. For additional information and/or to join the meeting, please contact us via e-mail at info@alqaws.org

2nd alQaws Study Day for Palestinian Psychologists and Therapists Held in Nazareth

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0200

On March 18th, alQaws and the Arab Psychological Association conducted a second Study Day on “Sexual and Gender Dimensions in Therapy.” This year's program explored the particularities of LGBTQ experiences in Palestinian society, how these experiences are shaped through personal, familial and social interactions, as well as how these experiences are reflected in therapy and by therapists. Several lectures and workshops conducted throughout the day aimed to shed the light on the personal attitudes and knowledge of these issues among Palestinian therapists and the impact on therapy.

The event, which took place in Nazareth, was attended by dozens health sector professionals, therapists, and educational counselors from all over Palestine.

These periodic study days are an advocacy project of alQaws’ Therapists Advocacy Group and part of a broader initiative to engage Palestinian therapists and psychologists on issues related to sexuality, sexual identity/orientation and gender, as well as their differing dimensions and impacts in the therapeutic context.

April Hawamesh Session: Models of Masculinity in Palestinian Cinema

Sat, 02 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Wednesday, April 6th, at 7pm, Al-Mahatta, Haifa

The upcoming Hawamesh will focus on presenting various perceptions of masculinity in Palestinian cinema. The meeting will offer some analysis of models of men and masculinity in Palestinian film, as well as the influence of political events on these perceptions. Salah Dabah, a Palestinian cinema researcher, will lead the discussion with examples from Palestinian film. He will offer an overview of the ways in which masculinity is reflected in Palestinian cinema, discuss cinematic methods of reinforcing masculinity on screen, and present alternative cinematography seeking to challenge mainstream conceptions of masculinity.

For the Facebook event, click here (Arabic Only).

“Hawamesh” (which means "margins" in Arabic), is a Haifa-based bi-monthly discussion forum about issues related to sexual and gender diversity in Palestinian society. Hawamesh aims to fill a void in the mainstream discourse - including the rhetoric of local queer organizing and sexuality activism - in order to disrupt and broaden its domain. In addition Hawamesh aims to reframe topics that were traditionally considered internal discussions exclusive to the LGBT community into a broader, more connected, and more relevant social and political context.

Palestinian Queer Party

Wed, 30 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Palestinian Queer Party
Friday 15.4.2016
17:00 - 23:00
Comfort 13 Club
Comfort 13 st. Yaffa

Arabic Dance Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba
Palestinian Drag Shows, and more...

Tickets
Until 20:00: 30 NIS
After 20:00: 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
IMPORTANT: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Second Study Day: Sexual and Gender Dimensions in Therapy

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Friday, 18th of March, 2016, Nazareth (Program in Arabic Only)

alQaws and the Arab Psychological Association are pleased to invite you to our second Study Day, tilted “Sexual and Gender Dimensions in Therapy.” This year's program will explore the particularities of LGBTQ experiences in Palestinian society, and the ways it is shaped through personal, familial and social interactions, as well as its reflection in therapy and on therapists.
The second study day is an advocacy activity organized by alQaws’ Therapists Advocacy Group and is part of a broader initiative to engage Palestinian therapists and psychologists in issues related to sexuality, sexual identity/orientation and gender, as well as different dimensions and impacts in the therapeutic context.

To read the full program, in Arabic only, click here.

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.

alQaws Queer Parties – Dates for 2016

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws queer parties are the most significant social gatherings for the Palestinian queer communities; we bring together old and new community members, activists, allies, and friends in a unique and special space to celebrate sexual and gender diversity in Palestine.

alQaws organizes eight queer parties each year in Yaffa, with Arabic bob music and local drag shows.

Dates for 2016:
2016\1\22
2016\3\4
2016\4\15
2016\6\3
2016\7\15
2016\8\26
2016\10\7
2016\11\18
2016\12\23
Hours: 17:00- 23:00

Palestinian Queer Party \ 4.12.2015

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Friday 11.9.2015
17:00 - 23:00
Comfort 13 Club
Comfort 13 st. Yaffa

Arabic Dance Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba

Tickets
17:00 - 20:00 30 NIS
20:00 - 23:00 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
Important: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Facebook Page

alQaws' Opinion Piece about the Documentary "Oriented"

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Speaking as a Palestinian queer organization, we encourage Palestinian queers to share their personal stories and we work tirelessly to build a society that celebrates their diverse experiences. However, the discourse prompted by a recent documentary about Palestinian queer lives suggests a crucial need to share a critical perspective and to reframe some false assumptions the film may perpetuate.

The film in question, Oriented (Witzenfeld, 2015), recently debuted at multiple international film festivals. This story, about three gay Palestinian friends who live in Tel Aviv, has circulated throughout international media, promoting risky and false assumptions about queer Palestinians. This short statement is by no means a critique of individuals' lives, their lifestyles, or their personal choices; rather, it takes aim at the dangerous generalizations and misperceptions that the film, regardless of good intentions, may further.

alQaws Queer Parties: Remaining Dates for 2015

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws throws highly successful, well-attended Palestinian queer parties eight times yearly (since 2003). alQaws' Queer Parties regularly attract 350+ attendees from all over Palestine, with rich diversity of age, background, gender identity, sexual orientation, and more. Our parties create a unique and welcoming queer Palestinian space - and provide an opportunity for social networking, community-building, and open celebration of sexual and gender diversity through Arabic music, art shows, and topical awareness initiatives.

New Hawamesh Meeting “The Attack on LGBTs in Palestine: A Crises in Discourse, Or a Culture of Exclusion”

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0200

The upcoming Hawamesh is going to focus on the latest attack on LGBTs and homosexuality in Palestine which took place last June (Islamic movement leader statement against gay marriage, attack on LGBT rights supporters, rainbow drawing on the Apartheid Wall and more), and the unprecedented public discussion among civil society organizations, political parties, social movements, alongside the heated debates on social media. (Read here the support statement signed by 15 civil society organizations that was initiated by alQaws and allies. Arabic only).

New Youth Group in Yaffa "Me, My Sexuality, and Society: Knowledge and Impact”

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws is pleased to announce the opening of our 5th youth group for participants from Yaffa, Lod/Ramleh and the Triangle area, starting at the end of October 2015. The youth groups, titled "Me, My Sexuality, and Society: Knowledge and Impact” are a safe space to examine aspects of gender and sexuality, and to voice and discuss personal opinions related to sexuality. Previous groups took place during the last two years in Ramallah, Yaffa and Haifa with 15 participants in each group.

Palestinian Queer Party \ 11.9.2015

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Friday 11.9.2015
17:00 - 23:00
Comfort 13 Club
Comfort 13 st. Yaffa

Arabic Dance Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba

Tickets
17:00 - 20:00 30 NIS
20:00 - 23:00 40 NIS

Entrance for 18+ years
Important: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Palestinian Queer Party - Friday 5.6.2015

Wed, 27 May 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Friday 13.3.2015
17:00 - 23:00
Comfort 13 Club
Comfort 13 st. Yaffa

Arabic Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba

HAPPY HOUR 18:00 - 19:00
Free chaser for every drink!
Tickets
17:00 - 20:00 30 NIS
20:00 - 23:00 40 NIS

Facebook Event

Entrance for 18+ years
Important: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Palestinian Queer Party - Friday 1.5.2015

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Friday 13.3.2015
17:00 - 23:00
Comfort 13 Club
Comfort 13 st. Yaffa

Arabic Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba

HAPPY HOUR 18:00 - 19:00
Free chaser for every drink!
Tickets
17:00 - 20:00 30 NIS
20:00 - 23:00 40 NIS

Facebook Event

Entrance for 18+ years
Important: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

Study Day \ Sexual and Gender Dimensions in Therapy

Sun, 22 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Friday, 27th of March, 2015, Nazareth

alQaws in partnership with the Arab Psychological Association are pleased to invite you to a first of its kind study day, tilted “Sexual and Gender Dimensions in Therapy.” This study day is the first public action of alQaws’s Therapists Group, and part of a broader initiative and effort to engage Palestinian therapists and psychologists in issues related to sexuality, sexual identity/orientation and gender, and their different dimensions and impacts in therapy. Full program (Arabic)

alQaws Takes Part in Israeli Apartheid Week Activities in London

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws Takes Part in Israeli Apartheid Week Activities in London
alQaws activists took part in several “Israeli Apartheid Week” activities, organized by Palestine Society and LGBT groups in London universities, including SOAS, Goldsmiths and London School of Economics and Political Science. These events focused on “Pinkwashing”, an Israeli government PR campaign and propaganda tool, that uses gay rights to divert attention from its crimes and abuses against the Palestinian people.

alQaws' Opens Therapists' Group Second Year

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws started the second year of the therapists group with 20 therapists and psychologists with different expertise and approaches.

The therapists’ group relies on peer-to-peer learning, to explore issues related to sexuality, sexual identity and gender, and their dimensions and presence in therapy. The group aims to provide space for a learning process that translates knowledge into action, and allows participants to both explore and reflect on aspects of sexuality and gender in therapy.

The group also aspires to organize professional activities dedicated to the production and development of new intellectual, theoretical, and locally informed knowledge.

Palestinian Queer Party - Friday 13.3.2015

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

Friday 13.3.2015
17:00 - 23:00
Comfort 13 Club
Comfort 13 st. Yaffa

Arabic Music
With DJ Sana & Hiba

HAPPY HOUR 18:00 - 19:00
Free chaser for every drink!
Tickets
17:00 - 20:00 30 NIS
20:00 - 23:00 40 NIS

Facebook Event

Entrance for 18+ years
Important: Smoking is prohibited at the party
and NO PICTURES POLICY
for more info: info@alqaws.org

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.

alQaws' Therapists’ Advocacy Group Starts Its Second Year - Registration is Open

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

alQaws is pleased to announce open registration for the second year of its Therapists’ Advocacy Group, which will commence mid-February 2015.

The monthly meetings of therapists will focus on themes related to sexuality, sexual identity and gender, and their applications in therapeutic settings. Participants will actively explore and reflect on aspects of sexuality and gender dimensions in therapy, using their own training and experience as touchpoints for growth.. Moreover, the Therapists’ Advocacy Group will provide a platform for participants to create new professional initiatives, as well as a foundation for these professional experts to develop innovative and fresh theoretical and intellectual knowledge relating to sexual and gender dimensions in therapy.

First Hawamesh Event in 2015 - Wednesday February 3rd @ 19:00

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

First Hawamesh Event in 2015 - Tuesday February 3rd @ 19:00
Our inaugural Hawamesh event for 2015 will take place on Tuesday, February 3rd at alQaws office in Haifa.

Entitled “Do Local Anti-Pinkwashing Discourses Perpetuate Structures of ‘Homophobia’ by Presenting a Misleading Facade of Queer Realities in Palestine?”, the event will follow up on recent community conversations raising serious questions about the potential impact and unintended consequences of efforts and strategies to expose Israel’s use of gay rights to mask systematic disregard and violation of the human rights of Palestinians.

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:

AlKhat's Fourth Year: Listening and Information Hotline Shows Increasing, Record Community Access

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0200

AlKhat ends its fourth year with a team of 15 volunteers, 105 shifts, and more than 200 queries via the telephone hotline and the online chat platform at www.alkhat.org. In addition, alQaws reached to new populations, particularly women, transpersons and youth. alQaws also trained a new team of volunteers during its fourth training course, which took place in Jerusalem and resulted in building a Jerusalem-based volunteer corps. alQaws’ professional staff also provided ongoing supervision and assistance to volunteers in order to ensure they had the tools and resources to best fulfill their role.

The volunteer team includes people of different professions and experiences. Yet they are united in purpose – and in the willingness to listen to people in need. AlKhat offers a platform for community members to reach out for assistance, support or information on sexuality and gender-related concerns. They can discuss the impact on their thoughts, feelings and relations with friends, family and coworkers.

AlKhat also serves as a resource to friends, family, coworkers or others with questions about issues of gender and sexuality.

Finally, alKhat serves the general public as a key resource for information about the field. As necessary, alQaws offers help, connect callers with relevant professionals, and follows up and mediates between the callers and relevant service providers.

Privacy is assured in using alKhat. Callers/chatters may remain completely anonymous, revealing only those details they choose to disclose during the session. AlKhat volunteers are obligated to maintain the confidentiality of each alKhat chat or call, refraining from sharing any information outside the alKhat platform.
AlKhat operates twice weekly, on Sundays and Wednesdays between 17:00 and 21:00. AlKhat can be accessed via phone at 0722220202 or via chat at www.alKhat.org.

alQaws Queer Parties – Dates for 2015

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0200

For the past decade, alQaws has organized 8 queer parties each year in Yaffa, including Arabic bob music and local drag shows. alQaws parties are the most significant social gatherings for the Palestinian queer community; we bring together old and new community members, activists, allies, and friends in a unique and special space to celebrate sexual and gender diversity in Palestine.

Dates for 2015:
23/1/2015
13/3/2015
1/5/2015
5/6/2015
24/7/2015
11/9/2015
30/10/2015
4/12/2015

alQaws Youth Groups in Ramallah and Haifa

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0200

In 2014, alQaws organized 2 long-term youth groups with over 20 participants. The youth groups, entitled "Me, My Sexuality, and Society: Knowledge and Impact” are a safe space to examine aspects of gender and sexuality, and to voice and discuss personal opinions related to sexuality. The first group took place in Ramallah between April and July. The second group started in Haifa in October and is due to continue through February 2015.

Collaboration and Capacity-Building: Developing Support among Palestinian Civil Society Organizations

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0200

This year, based on recommendations of alQaws' “Palestinian Civil Society Organizations’ Attitudes on Sexual and Bodily Rights” field study, alQaws began strengthening its connections to other Palestinian civil society organizations. alQaws’ networking meetings built active partnerships and substantially increased the proportion of Palestinian society actively concerned with issues of sexuality and sexual and gender diversity. During this period, alQaws succeeded in establishing connections with more than thirty Palestinian community-based organizations (including youth, feminist, and human rights organizations). These partnerships enjoy wide geographical representation, as these civil society organizations are located throughout Palestine, including north and central in the Palestinian 48' areas and the West Bank.

“Hawamesh” - Monthly discussion forum about issues related to sexual and gender diversity in Palestinian society

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0200

“Hawamesh” is an important project successfully developed and established by alQaws in Haifa in 2014. “Hawamesh” (which means "margins" in Arabic), is a Haifa-based monthly discussion forum about issues related to sexual and gender diversity in Palestinian society. Hawamesh aims to fill a void in the mainstream discourse - including the rhetoric of local queer organizing and sexuality activism - in order to disrupt and broaden its domain.
Hawamesh successfully organized eight intellectual discussion forums, reaching over 150 activists and academics, as well as others interested in broadening their knowledge relating to sexual and gender diversity. Hawamesh gatherings generally took place at alQaws’ Haifa office, although Hawamesh sessions were also organized in collaboration with Almahata, the Palestinian Youth Cooperative in Haifa.
Some topics addressed in Hawamesh sessions included:

Queer Anti-Colonial Struggle: From The US To Palestine

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0200

Monday, November 24th at 7:30 pm

14 FL | 224 West 29th Street
New York City

alQaws friends and the Darkmatter will be hosting an evening of solidarity, art, politics, and community, featuring alQaws director Haneen Maikey and Audre Lorde project director, Cara Page.

Join us to hear a talk by Haneen Maikey from alQaws, the Queer Palestinian Activist Collective followed by US based activists Cara Page and Che Gossett to learn more about Queer Freedom Organizing Outside of Racist and Colonial Logics.

Facebook Event

Queer Literature in Arabic and Palestinian Literary Texts

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0200

Queer Literature in Arabic and Palestinian Literary Texts, is the title of the new "Hawamesh" event, hosted by Almahata – Palestinian Youth Cooperative in Haifa. "Hawamesh" is honored to host a special poetry book launch by our friend Housni Shehada, "Sharqi el Monada," in an evening of poetry readings and discussions about queer literature.

The discussion will take place on Thursday, 30th of October 2014 at 19:00 at Almahata, 55 Yaffa Street, Haifa.
“Hawamesh” (Arabic for ‘Margins’) – alQaws’ Haifa based monthly discussion forum about issues related to sexual and gender diversity in Palestinian society addresses a diverse array of issues related to sexuality and gender while giving a public space to activists and those interested to take part in a vibrant and open dialogue.

To Facebook event

Sexual Politics in the Colonial Context of Palestine \\ December 18-20, 2014

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0200

alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society is pleased to announce the new dates of the first ever academic school for sexual and gender diversity in Palestine titled:

Sexual Politics in the Colonial Context of Palestine
December 18-20, 2014 - Palestine

With this initiative we aim to develop a deeper understanding of terminology of sexual and gender differences as well as arrive at appropriate definitions that relate to the particularities of Palestinian society. Within as space built on a diversity of viewpoints, ideas and backgrounds we will discuss the following themes:

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.

Palestinian Civil Society Demands Urgent Action on Gaza

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0200

Since Israel launched its military offensive dubbed “Operation Protective Edge” on 8 July 2014, over 175 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, 80% of whom the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) report to be civilians, and over 1,280 injured. The victims have included entire families, women, children and the elderly. Israel has launched over 1,500 air strikes in the past seven days, deliberately targeting homes and other civilian facilities and fired dozens of shells at Palestinian communities located near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel and along the coast; approximately 900 houses have so far been destroyed. In a further escalation of events, Israel has bombed a number of houses without any prior warning whilst civilians have been inside, dramatically raising the death toll and the number of casualties. Targets bombed by the military where civilians have been present have included a café, an emergency medical building, a facility for the disabled, three ambulances and a clearly marked media car. Schools, mosques, an ambulance centre, NGO offices, fishing boats and a hospital have also been struck.

In Solidarity Against India’s “Section 377”

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0200

The Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR) is deeply disappointed with the December 11 ruling of the Indian Supreme Court reversing the 2009 Delhi High Court verdict that recognized same sex relationships between consenting adults to be outside the purview of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.

This section criminalizes sexual acts “against the order of nature,” and has been used in the past to discriminate against those with non-conforming genders and sexualities. In dismissing the premise of the 2009 verdict and declaring it as “legally unsustainable,” the Supreme Court has contributed to the erasure of over two decades of organizing in India for the freedom of sexual and gender expression and protection from harassment and abuse on grounds of sexual difference.

“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.

From Pinkwashing to Pinkwatching

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0200

One of alQaws’ major political activities over the last few years has been our effective response to the Israeli government’s PR campaign commonly known as ‘pinkwashing.’ This strategy, adopted by the Israeli state and the pro-Israel lobby, ais to distract American and European audiences from the illegal Israeli occupation and larger Apartheid policies, by promoting Israel as a progressive liberal state; a 'gay haven' in the midst of an oppressive and homophobic Palestinian society and Arab world. Members of alQaws have been especially active in drawing attention to the brutal Human Rights violations committed by the Israeli state against Palestinians, which ‘pinkwashing’ seeks to veil.

Writing Our Media

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0200

In January 2010, alQaws launched its first writing workshop that attempts to open a space for queer writing on erotica, the body and sexuality. The workshop led to a partnership with the online Palestinian journal Qadita.net in August 2011, and a regular queer column that includes literary writings, articles, and reviews, with the aim of presenting the points of views of LGBTQ people in Palestine and in neighboring countries. Media visibility is a tool that alQaws has used extensively to try to change social discourse on sexuality, and we intend to continue doing so through alQaws' website and our queer writing column at Qadita.net. To read an English translation of one of the texts that appeared in alQaws’ queer column "Intimacy," click HERE.