Lebanese Homosexuals have done the right thing by coming out, but the way the system handled it is worrying.
I remember once reading in GQ that the prostitution industry in Lebanon is one of the most regulated ones in the world. Apparently, Escort ladies and pleasure providers are required by law to be regularly tested for STDs and to use condoms. Their brothels should be licensed and there’s a minimum age for sex workers (so says GQ)
I remember my first reaction when I read that article was: “Who decides this kind of stuff?” I don’t recall anyone debating in parliament the merits of regulating prostitution. The weird thing is that I support such measures (it’s better to regulate than moralize), but I also know that a public debate in parliament would kill it at birth.
What does this have to do with Helem and the gay conference that took place for the first time in the Arab world in Beirut?
Consider this from the BBC:
The organization (HELEM) is considered legal because the government did not respond negatively to their request for registration within three months of applying. “Basically, they did not know what do with us so they didn’t respond, therefore we’re legal,” Mr Azzi said.
THAT is the problem! Our government is liberal enough to accept homosexuals (unlike the commercial sex issue which is simply one of Lebanon’s secret touristic cash cows), but the way the Lebanese system handles tricky social issues can be summarized as: Do it, we will regulate it, but let’s all try not to talk about it.
But if a public debate doesn’t take place and the Lebanese society as a whole is not convinced, what can guarantee the permanence of such regulations?
| Print: 
The beirut spring is a blog that is interested in Lebanese society and its politics. It started in February 2005 after the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri
May 27th, 2006 at 6:35 am
Mustapha,
a lot of people accuse people like me, people who are still not comfortable with the issue of homosexuality, of “Homophobia”. In that BBC article, I also read some Psycho-babble about macho societies and how arabs somehow think that women don’t have sexual desires, which i think is pure BS.
I think the best person who spoke of how we feel is, of all people, is Jerry Seinfeld. This is what he said, that i think is so true:
“What causes homophobia? What is it that makes a heterosexual man worried? I think it’s because men know that deep down, we have weak sales resistance. We’re constantly buying shoes that hurt us, pants that don’t fit right; men think: “Obviously, I can be talked into anything. What if I accidentally wander into some homosexual store, thinking it’s a shoe store and the salesman goes: “Just hold this guy’s hand walking around the store for a little bit see how you feel. No obligation, no pressure, just try it. Would you like to see him in a sandal?””
May 27th, 2006 at 10:10 am
I agree with your analysis. In this particular case though the fact that they kept their mouths shut was in a way rather courageous. In essence the government used a loophole to enact change. Bravo.
I’m a bit right wing yet I personally support Helem. I know many gay Lebanese (and Iranians, Palestinians, Saudis, Emiratis, etc…) who are just in so much pain because they can’t be themselves back home. Fuck, there are some who are married with kids. Enough already. The blinds must come off. They’re there. They’ve always been there. They’ll always be there. Acknowledge them and move on. Bravo.
PS - where are my Kefraya photos:?
May 27th, 2006 at 10:54 am
The old bordello downtown was regulated, but no NEW prostitues were given licenses. That does not exist anymore.
The “bars” have some kind of regulation.
I am not sure escorts are regulated.
Plus, these activities could be made legal without involving “regulation” (i.e. setting their detailed rules).
Re HELEM application, call me cynical.
It’s probably because some bureaufuck forgot it on his desk through the deadline, or did not understand what it was about. ;)
May 27th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
mustafa… i am glad u posted about this topic. i read an article about the parade around a week or so ago but it was in arabic. i was trying to find an english translation and couldnt find it and was shocked that no one posted about it… naharnet didnt even mention it. it was as is this event never occured!
thats whats scary
May 27th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
Rampurple, where did you see the Arabic article. I haven’t seen anything and would be interested in reading that particular piece.
May 27th, 2006 at 1:31 pm
Perpetual, Walaw? of course the Arabic Article is on Al-Arabia, and as usual, it’s ridiculously worded and the comments section is hilarious :)
(your pics will be online as soon as my friend with the camera uploads them)
Rampurple, According to HELEM’s Website, they were featured on Annahar and Almustaqbal and other newspapers.
JW, i wouldn’t be surprised :)
May 27th, 2006 at 7:33 pm
Walla good for you guys. Seems that a lot of people took place in the parade.
I strongly approve the Secularism approach in politics and life. Lebanon is a vivid role model for Arabs. It’s a shame how many of us deprive ourselves of life’s many pleasures for the sake of religion.
Mustapha, I think that it takes us a lot more work to be convinced of being gay. I think it’s not just the sex or whatever, I think it’s more of how you feel and how comfortable can you be with being gay.
May 28th, 2006 at 1:17 pm
Take a look at the Russian take on this:
link
June 1st, 2006 at 8:40 am
It wasn’t a Pride march! And the BBC article doesn’t say it was! The pic is from the 2005 Beirut marathon! Why are all you people saying it was a Prie march?
June 2nd, 2006 at 3:36 pm
I was at Monroe Hotel on May 17, 2006. It was just a press conference and screening of some short movies. That was no gay pride march and al-fil is right.