This Arab Is Queer

An Anthology by LGBTQ+ Arab Writers

Elias Jahshan editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Saqi Books

Published:16th Jun '22

Should be back in stock very soon

This Arab Is Queer cover

This collection features the memoirs of eighteen Arab LGBTQ+ writers, celebrating their experiences and challenges in a vibrant anthology.

In This Arab Is Queer, editor Elias Jahshan curates a powerful anthology that brings together the voices of eighteen Arab LGBTQ+ writers. This collection is a unique blend of memoirs and personal stories, showcasing the diverse experiences of queer Arabs from various backgrounds. The writers, some of whom are internationally bestselling authors and others who choose to remain anonymous, share their heartfelt narratives that range from joyous celebrations to poignant reflections on the struggles they face.

The anthology offers a glimpse into the vibrant lives of these writers, as they navigate their identities in a world that often marginalizes them. From tales set in military bases in the Gulf to intimate moments shared in private spaces, This Arab Is Queer captures the essence of the Arab queer experience. Each story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the quest for acceptance in both personal and societal contexts.

As readers delve into the pages of this collection, they will encounter a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. The anthology not only highlights the challenges of being LGBTQ+ in Arab societies but also celebrates the beauty and strength of these individuals. Through essays that range from the humorous to the heartbreaking, This Arab Is Queer invites readers to witness the true colors of love, identity, and community within the Arab queer landscape.

'A wonderful collection of stories, of people unshackled, of tongues untied. This surprising book allows the deliberately silenced and the preferably unheard to speak. Profoundly moving and uplifting. Yes, This Arab is Queer.' Rabih Alameddine;'Visionary. A powerful and moving portrait of life as a queer Arab.' Sabrina Mahfouz;'A vital addition to what it means to be Arab. This collection showcases the magnificent diversity and richness of Arab identity.' Layla AlAmmar;'A heartfelt, moving collection, unflinching in its vulnerability, courageous and empowering in its honesty. These writers hold our gaze, demanding to be seen, on their own terms.' Yassmin Abdel-Magied
‘A truly unprecedented and eye-opening insight into a community too often ignored from a group of 18 amazing writers … a necessary read for our times.’ Newsweek, 22 May 2024 * Newsweek *

  • Winner of 35th Annual Lammy Award for LGBTQ+ Anthology (Shortlisted) 2023
  • Winner of The Bread & Roses Award 2023 (Shortlisted) 2023

ISBN: 9780863564789

Dimensions: 216mm x 135mm x 22mm

Weight: 230g

288 pages