On Women’s Day: How LGBTQIA+ and Women’s Struggles Intersect in Syria
There are unmistakable threads connecting us! The struggle is against a system that forces everyone to be a copy of the same mold—a system that fears our departure from the norms of “hegemonic masculinity” or “submissive femininity.” Just as women fight not to be reduced to a body or a narrow social role, LGBTQIA+ individuals […]
Unheard Voices 2: The LGBTQIA+ Community in Syria and Leading the “Frontlines of the Revolution”
One of the most fascinating paradoxes (to me) in our reports “Unheard Voices” is that the protagonists of these stories—those often seen as the weakest and most vulnerable groups in society—turned out to be the exact opposite in reality. Gender identity was not a barrier for many of them—members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Syria—to […]
Gender, Identity, and the Syrian Revolution: Untold stories!
In the quest to uncover unheard voices and profound human stories that reflect the diversity of revolutionary movements against the Syrian regime in 2011—a diversity that included members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Syria—I had the opportunity, over the years of the revolution, to closely interact with many of these individuals. They did not hesitate […]
Syrian Valentine’s Day: The Oldest Celebration of Love in the World
Many believe that the oldest celebration of Valentine’s Day dates back to ancient Roman times with what is known as Saint Valentine’s Day, given its global fame. However, this is not true. The ancient Syrians were actually the first to celebrate a Day of Love in the world! The origin of the story goes back […]
How can we verify News? Some Tips on How to Handle It
Do you get emotional when reading the news? Have you ever discovered that a news story that triggered a wave of anger and frustration might be false or misleading? Or that the headline doesn’t match the content of the news? Has someone on TikTok caused you confusion or stress after reading their incomplete, illogical, or […]
GEM Succeeds: Specialized Aid Reaches Gaza After Long Struggle
The people of the Gaza Strip celebrated the announcement of a ceasefire between the warring parties after 15 months of conflict that claimed the lives of thousands of civilians and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. The ceasefire comes amid a humanitarian catastrophe. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Gaza is suffering […]
Temporary Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ individuals in Syria
Recently, news has circulated regarding alleged violations targeting individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. While the accuracy of these reports is still under verification, we emphasize the ethical considerations concerning the privacy of vi ctims and their families, as well as the negative impact of sharing unverified or sensitive information. Disseminating inaccurate news or analyses can […]
Mental health and wellbeing guide for Syrian LGBTQIA+ Individuals
The ongoing changes can impact mental health, especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Recognizing symptoms early and practicing self-care can make a big difference. 🔍 Common Signs & Symptoms to Watch For: If you notice these signs, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. 5 Tips to Protect Your Mental Health Acknowledge Your Feelings:It’s okay to feel […]
Protect your privacy: guidelines for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Aleppo
In most Arab countries, LGBTQIA+ individuals—gay, bisexual, intersex, and transgender people—often face various forms of discrimination. This ranges from mistreatment in the workplace, schools, and universities, to even medical facilities like hospitals and health centers. They may be subjected to assault, systematic torture, and even death, especially in detention centers, prisons, or during abductions. Criminalization […]
HIV: discrimination prevents LGBTQ Syrians from accessing treatment
I was hopeful when the Minister of Health in the Syrian Interim Government, “Maram Sheikh,” responded positively to participating in our news report on the reality of HIV. In truth, the purpose of discussing the topic with the minister is not to raise alarms or warnings, as Syria is one of the countries with low […]
