Egypt, Africa

Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East. The great majority of its estimated 82 million live near the banks of the Nile River. Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the world's most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramid complex and its Great Sphinx. The southern city of Luxor contains numerous ancient artifacts, such as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Egypt is widely regarded as an important political and cultural nation of the Middle East. Homosexuality is barely acknowledged by the country's authorities. Homosexual acts are covered by general legislation governing public (Muslim & Christian) morality. In the 21st century, this legislation has been subject to stricter interpretation, and homosexual men live under continual threat of persecution and imprisonment. Also see: Islam and Homosexuality. 

 

 

Egypt: 7 men remain detained over anti-gay charges

Seven men in Egypt, who were arrested for breaking the country’s law on sexual conduct, are reportedly still in prison. According to OutQ News, they were captured in a police raid of a Cairo apartment last month and are accused of being gay. Homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt, so the young men, whose… Read more »

The infamous “Queen Boat”

I happen to be one of the men who were on the infamous “Queen Boat” that was raided by under cover police agents on the early morning of May 11, 2001. I currently live in the United States and would like to share my story with you. I had a rough day and I really… Read more »

Egyptian Gay Rights Magazine ‘Ehna’ Goes Dark After Single Issue

An online magazine devoted to gay rights in Egypt has shuttered after publishing its first issue. Ehna (We) was believed to be the first magazine to cater to Egypt’s LGBT community. A May 27 post on the magazine’s Facebook page read: “We have been forced to shut down the online magazine due to security reasons.… Read more »

Maghreb bike tour supports human rights

A bike tour by young Tunisians, Libyans and Egyptians aims to gather signatures for a petition against torture and human rights abuses, Tunisia Live reported on Sunday (July 1st). According to Mosaique FM, the delegation is meeting government and civil society representatives across North Africa. The young activists have already obtained signatures from the Egyptian… Read more »

Coming Out Story: We’re Not in Cairo Anymore

Egyptian multihyphenate Omar Sharif Jr., grandson of the screen legend, comes out both as gay and half Jewish — and worries that his country’s fledgling government will persecute others like him. I write this article in fear. Fear for my country, fear for my family, and fear for myself. My parents will be shocked to… Read more »

A future for gay Egypt?

Lesbian and gay Egyptians express their concerns for the future and suggest a way forwards The Gay Star News feature on the future for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people in Egypt, which we ran in January, attracted both criticism and praise. Much of the most vociferous praise came from LGBT people actually living… Read more »

Gay Egypt News & Reports 2010-11

Useful website for LGBT Africa: http://www.mask.org.za/ Also see: More information about Islam & Homosexuality al-fatiha-news Middle East Youth Muslim Yahoo Group: "Queer Muslim Revolution" Queer Muslim magazine: Huriyah, Barra Gay Islam discussion groups: Muslim Gay Men     LGBT muslim Queer Jihad           Bi-muslims Trans-muslims       Lesbian muslims 1 Musicians group calls for cancellation of upcoming Elton John concert… Read more »

Gay Egypt News & Reports 2008-09

Also see: Islam and Homosexuality Behind the Mask website for LGBT Africa Human Rights Watch: In a Time of Torture: The Assault on Justice In Egypt’s Crackdown on Homosexual Conduct by Scott Long, March 2004 Gay Middle East Web Site: http://www.gaymiddleeast.com/ Queer Muslim magazine: Huriyah 1 Onscreen lesbian kiss upsets Egyptian academics 1/08 2 Egypt… Read more »

Gay Egypt News & Reports 2003-07

Also See: Islam and Homosexuality Important Report: In a Time of Torture: The Assault on Justice In Egypt’s Crackdown on Homosexual Conduct 3/04 by Scott Long, director of the LGBT Rights Project at Human Rights Watch 1 Recent documentary films about LGBT in the Middle East 2 Egyptian Police Entrap Gay Men Through Internet 1/03… Read more »

Gay Egypt News & Reports 2001-02

Also See: Islam and Homosexuality Useful website for LGBT Africa: http://www.mask.org.za/ Important Report: In a Time of Torture: The Assault on Justice In Egypt’s Crackdown on Homosexual Conduct 3/04 by Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Project at Human Rights Watch 0 Recent documentarty films 1 ‘Gay rights’ protest as… Read more »

In a Time of Torture

The Assault on Justice in Egypt’s Crackdown on Homosexual Conduct I used to think being gay was just part of my life and now I know it means dark cells and beatings. It is very, very difficult to be gay in Egypt. I’ll tell you something. Some things that happen in your life you can… Read more »