This Queer Arab Family
An Anthology by LGBTQ+ Arab Writers
(Author) Elias Jahshan Jahshan EliasExistence is a form of resistance. The Arabic word hafla' means party. But is also means to care for someone. In Arab culture, family is everything. Personal desires are sacrificed for the unit, and roles within families are traditionally predetermined based on age and gender. So what happens when Queer Arabs redefine what those roles and relationships look like? This Queer Arab Family is a celebration of the family we inherit and the friends we choose to become our family. From raising children with mum and mum, staying connected to sisters on the other side of the world through cooking the dishes that have been handed down through generations, to finding kinship in gender neutral toilets, this book is testament to the challenges and triumphs that bind us together. This Queer Arab Family is here to slay.
Elias Jahshan
Elias Jahshan is a Lebanese-Australian writer, journalist, and editor known for his insightful commentary on Middle Eastern politics, culture, and identity. He has contributed to a variety of publications, including Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and The New Arab. Jahshan's writing is characterized by its sharp analysis, thought-provoking insights, and engaging storytelling. His work sheds light on complex issues in the region while also exploring themes of diaspora, belonging, and identity. Jahshan's most famous work is his book "Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War," co-authored with Robin Yassin-Kassab, which provides a comprehensive account of the Syrian conflict. Jahshan's contributions to literature have had a significant impact on the genre of Middle Eastern writing, inspiring a new generation of writers to explore the complexities of the region with nuance and empathy.