Beirut: Lesbian Collective Launches New Book

BEIRUT: Hundreds of people gathered at Beirut’s Medina Theater on Saturday for the launching of “Bareed Mista3jil,” (or “Mail in a Hurry”), Lebanon’s first ever book about the experiences of gay women and transgenders. A collection of 41 true stories written by lesbian, bisexual, questioning, and transgender women, the book aims to “dispel the myths surrounding female sexuality and gender identities in all their diversity.” “Bareed Mista3jil” sheds light on a number of issues faced by the women, such as reconciling religion with sexuality, family relationships, self-discovery and identity issues, sexual violence and discrimination. According to the book’s website, “It reflects both the urgency of getting these stories across and also the private nature of the stories – like letters written, sealed, and sent out to the world.”

“Bareed Mista3jil” is published by Meem, a group established in 2007 to provide support for sexual and gender minorities, with funding from the Heinrich Boell Foundation and support from the Feminist Collective and IndyACT.

Originally written in English, Bareed Mista3jil will also be available at all major Lebanese bookstores in the Arabic language from Monday. For excerpts from the book and more information, visit: http://www.bareedmista3jil.com.