Lebanon IDAHO Report 2013 ~ may17.org

An Anti-Homophobia rally in the capital Beirut, a documentary film screening and discussion at the French Embassy, and the participation of Lebanese activists in the Regional Network Against Homophobia statement for May 17 marked commemorations around the Day in Lebanon.

Anti-Homophobia Rally in Beirut

Reports Canadian news site Global News, as part of their May 17 coverage, on April 30 rally in Beirut, ‘Lebanese homosexuals, human rights activists and members from the NGO Helem (the Arabic acronym of “Lebanese Protection for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders”) rallied to condemn the arrest on the weekend of three gay men and one transgender civilian in the town of Dekwaneh east of Beirut at a nightclub who were allegedly verbally and sexually harassed at the municipality headquarters.’

Pride flag bearing the cedar tree is carried by human rights activists in Beirut rally, April 30, 2013. Joseph Eid (AFP)/Getty Images. Source.

Film Screening at the French Embassy

This is to remind you of tonight’s event, the screening of Les Invisibles that will take place at 7:30 P.M. at the French Embassy – Institut Francais du Liban. Les Invisibles has won the Cesar for the best documentary in 2013. English Subtitles are available.The movie will be followed by a discussion with Monique Issele who is one of the heroes in the documentary and Al-Akhbar Pierre Abi Saab. The event will end with the launch of Helem’s campaign for IDAHO 2013 that will take place on June 9th at Douwar el Chams theater. On Monday May 20th, we will be hosting Miss Issele at Helem Center at 6:30 P.M. for an open discussion. More information on facebook event page.

May 17 Statement from the Regional Network Against Homophobia

Activists from Lebanon also contributed to the ‘MEMORANDUM 2013′ of the The Regional Network Against Homophobia, prepared in dedication to May 17, International Day Against Homophobia. The Network co-ordinates and supports activists in 18 countries across the Middle East, North Africa, the Balkans and Caucasus.
Activists spotlighted specific areas of human rights violations in the Lebanese context, and called on governments and the international community for action. The abuses highlighted were:

Sexual and bodily interventions and arrests on the grounds of morality and ethics.
Anal and vaginal examination as a form of validation of conducting adultery and determining sexual orientation/activity.
The lack of will by the police and Ministry of Justice to protect LGBTIQ people from arbitrary arrests based on sexual orientation and gender identity as civil society and public health syndicates recommended.