Arabic Cultures

Islamic Homosexualities : Culture, History, and Literature by Stephen O. Murray (Editor), Will Roscoe (Editor), Eric Allyn, Louis Crompton

Less than a third of this book is about homosexuality in present-day Muslim countries, but a major purpose of the book is to show that the repressiveness sponsored by contemporary "Islamicist fundamentalists" is not the only Muslim approach. Indeed, historically, accommodations to pederasty and to a few gender-variant individuals were made, and The Abode of Islam was far less hostile to same-sex eros and same-sex sex (so long as the insertees were young, effeminate, and/or non-Muslim) than Christendom.

This is not to say that homosexuality is part of the religion. As Roscoe's chapter shows, the area conquered/converted by Muslims had a history of accommodations of pederasty and gender-dichotomized homosexuality (the two types have been mixed in many places with entertainers who have been both young and effeminate). Murray's longest chapter on "the will not to know" about what anyone who looked or thought about what's going on has a wide utility (he specifically links it to Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" "policy").
The chapters on literature -- especially those of Jim Wafer -- push perhaps too hard for a homosexual (rather than homoerotic) readings. The line between "history" and 'anthropology" is blurred, and the contemporary materials are mostly non-Arab, centering on Pakistan.

Gay & Lesbian Arab Society

GLAS is an international organization established in 1988 in the US with worldwide chapters. As the name suggests, GLAS serves as a networking organization for Gay and Lesbians of Arab descent or those living in Arab countries. The aim is to promote positive images of Gays and Lesbians in Arab communities worldwide. GLAS also provides a support network for members while fighting for human rights wherever they are oppressed. GLAS is are part of the global Gay and Lesbian movement seeking an end to injustice and discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Lazeeza

This is the home page of Lazeeza, the Arab Lesbian Group. Here, you will find information about Lazeeza's mailing list, news of interest to Arab lesbians, articles, poetry and any other relevant material.

1001 Sites- Arab Web Directory

Arab World Online is an information source with direct access to virtually every aspect of the Arab world. Created on the principal of providing value-added content, the service is focused on attracting users from all facets of the internet. By providing resources at one location, our search engines enable users to generate information on their field of interest.

Islamic Art

The Islamic and Arabic arts and architecture is non-profit organization dedicated to providing information on arts and architecture. This site explains in detail the historical and cultural significance of hundreds of Islamic and Arabic artifacts. The site is illustrated with photographs of dozens of works of art, from massive Islamic shrines and buildings to tiny silver coins!