In memory of Sarah Hijazi: Solidarity against Homophobia في ذكرى ساره حجازي: معاً ضد رهاب المثلية

Welcome to this panel commemorating the memory of the Egyptian LGBTQ+ activist, Sarah Hegazi, who took her life in exile last June.

This conversation will shed light on the violence that members of the LGBTQ+ community experience particularly in the Middle East, the mental health consequences of Homophobia and hate speech as well as the efforts of grassroots organizations fighting homophobia in contexts of multilayered oppression, and the importance international and intersectional solidarity.

Guest speakers

• Representative from Al Qaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society- a civil society organization that is at the forefront of vibrant Palestinian cultural and social change, building LGBTQ+ communities and promoting new ideas about the role of gender and sexual diversity in political activism and everyday life.
• Joseph Mardelli, Project Manager of Skeiv Verden Oslo. He has worked with gender and sexual diversity education among asylum seekers in Norway.
• Dr. Valeria Markova, Psychologist who has researched depression and mental health among intercultural and minority communities in Norway.

Moderated by Chiara Ayad, Masahat – Open Spaces for Arab Culture in Exile.

Sarah fled Egypt after she was imprisoned, tortured and subject to hate and harassment campaigns based on her sexual identity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. She fled to Canada in search of safe refuge. In June 2020 Sarah took her lifte after months of struggling with depression and aggressive PTSD. Her passing represents a wake up call to all Middle Eastern societies, western host communities & LGBTQ+ advocates everywhere. It also revealed the urgency and timeliness of transnational solidarity.

This event is organized by Masahat and Skeiv Verden Vest, and is part of the Citizen Academy project by Masahat.