Lebanon's First Ever Pride Week Shines Light on LGBT
Lebanon's First Ever Pride Week Shines Light on LGBT
- In a country often regarded as socially liberal compared to its Arab neighbors, conservative social values remain deeply embedded among many, with LGBTQI Lebanese facing widespread discrimination.
But at the end of a week that — amid threats and pressure — saw events take place not just in conference halls but the streets, bars and cafes of Beirut, there are hopes that a push into the public spotlight offered by the newly launched Beirut Pride platform could further drive change.
"It is like you are in a plane about to skydive for the first time," said LGBT activist Lea Freiha, "and you are looking over the edge. You get super afraid of jumping, but when you do it's the most exhilarating thing."
- In a country often regarded as socially liberal compared to its Arab neighbors, conservative social values remain deeply embedded among many, with LGBTQI Lebanese facing widespread discrimination.
But at the end of a week that — amid threats and pressure — saw events take place not just in conference halls but the streets, bars and cafes of Beirut, there are hopes that a push into the public spotlight offered by the newly launched Beirut Pride platform could further drive change.
"It is like you are in a plane about to skydive for the first time," said LGBT activist Lea Freiha, "and you are looking over the edge. You get super afraid of jumping, but when you do it's the most exhilarating thing."