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The economic crisis that, in October of 2019, sparked protests in Lebanon, has only gotten worse in the past several months. Similarly to the majority of countries plagued by COVID-19, the Lebanese government implemented some (rather bland) lockdown measures which, as a result, pushed many Lebanese families even further down the path to poverty, to the point that many people are wondering: “What’s worse? Dying due to COVID or due to hunger?” After an apparently calm period, Lebanese people decided to take to the streets again and protest, both in large cities and small towns.

As always, creativity and organization were key factors in the initiatives that took place in Lebanon. To maintain social distancing, the organizers planned a car parade in downtown Beirut that halted traffic for a few hours. The Minteshreen association (the name derives from ‘October’, the month in which the first wave of protests took place) was able to involve a number of manufacturers, to make washable masks compliant to the international standards. The money made from the sale of these masks is being used to provide free masks to protestors who couldn’t afford them, and to help poor families by providing them with food.

The stronghold in Martyr Square, in Beirut, has been at the heart of the protest since the very first days. It’s there that, next to individuals, families, and political associations, LGBTQIA people are making sure their voices are being heard, and they are doing it while showing their faces. Despite Lebanon’s hostile legislation, the city of Beirut has always been benevolent towards all of its citizens. George Azzi, founder of Helem (‘Dream’), one of the oldest LGBTQIA associations in the region, proudly states that the queer situation in Lebanon could serve as an example to all other protesters.

BouKerch
translation by Tomas Mascali
©2020 Il Grande Colibrì
immagine: Il Grande Colibrì

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Here’s Why in Lebanon Homosexual Sex is No Longer a Crime
M-Coalition, HIV & Arab Men who Have Sex with Men

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