Queer Thinking: Rising Up for 'Gayrabia'
Saturday 27 February 2021 from 6pm to 7:30pm
Raising the rainbow flag: Rising up for ‘GAYRABIA’. Curated and hosted by Patrick Abboud.
Come through ‘Gayrabia’ with a panel of queer Arabs sharing their stories of resistance and resilience, pride and party -- plus a revolutionary vogueing performance from House of Silky’s Xander Khoury.
Raising the rainbow flag at a pop concert in Egypt was the most exhilarating but dangerous five minutes of Sarah Hegazy and Ahmed Alaa’s life. In many parts of the Middle East, it’s still illegal to be gay. In one of the worst crackdowns against the LGBTQI+ community in the region, Sarah and Ahmed were charged with “inciting debauchery”, abused, electrocuted and left in solitary confinement.
Live from Canada, where he’s now living in exile, Ahmed Alaa will join host Patrick Abboud for a live Q+A, alongside fellow ‘Gayrabs’ living in Australia who’ll take you inside their lives.
Right now, Egyptian police continue to entrap LGBTQI+ people through dating apps and arrest people off the streets solely based on their gender expression. While LGBTQI+ Arab Australians’ lives aren’t under threat, many here struggle with being open about their identities, the fear of losing family and being cut off is all too real. But some of us can live freely, fighting for safer spaces for our global middle eastern queer family to thrive.
Together we will raise the rainbow flag and rise up for ‘Gayrabia’.
In loving memory of Sarah Hegazy.
** This panel discussion is part of ‘Gayrabia’ -- a TV documentary series and podcast **
Book tickets here. If you're unable to attend in person, Virtual Tickets are also available to purchase here so you can watch live from home.
About Queer Thinking
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ boundary-pushing talks and ideas program brings together rising stars, unsung heroes and provocateurs from across the world for blazing debate at the NSW Teachers Federation on Saturday 27 February 2021.
Queer Thinking is set to feature three thought-provoking sessions, curated by Benjamin Law, Julie McCrossin AM, and Patrick Abboud. Including for the first time, Virtual International Speakers, and the option to attend as part of a Virtual Audience.
This past year has undoubtedly been one of unprecedented challenge and hardship. The impact of droughts, fires, floods and a global pandemic tested our spirit and resolve. Let's come together to connect at Queer Thinking, it’s time we rise together again.
Covid Safety
The Mardi Gras Parade and Festival will look different in 2021, but importantly, it will allow us to come together and celebrate our pride safely. Find out more about Covid safety at Mardi Gras.