the queer arab glossary

A groundbreaking survey of the language used around queerness in the Arab world, with contributions by leading Arab queer writers, thinkers and activists, The Queer Arab Glossary is a first-of-its-kind survey
of the linguistic landscape surrounding queerness in the Arab world. It brings
together more than 300 words and terms used to refer to queer people across the
spoken Arabic dialects, ranging from the humorous to the harrowing, serious to
tongue-in-cheek, pejorative to endearing.

Featuring anecdotes and fascinating historical facts, the
bilingual glossary paints a linguistic picture of how queer bodies are
perceived within the Arab region. It includes insightful essays by eight
leading Arab queer artists, academics, activists and writers, which situate the
glossary in a modern social and political context.

With beautiful, witty illustrations by Haitham Haddad, The
Queer Arab Glossary is a powerful response to myths about queer people in
the Arab world. It is proof that the LGBTQI+ Arab community is alive and
thriving.

Marwan Kaabour is a multidisciplinary graphic designer and artist, and founder of Takweer - a platform that archives queer narratives in Arab popular culture. Kaabour set up his own design practice in 2020 and has worked
with some of the world’s most exciting cultural institutions, artists and publishers including the V&A Museum, Art Basel, The National Gallery, Serpentine Galleries, Hayward Gallery, Somerset House and Banksy. He designed the much-celebrated Rihanna book, which was a Time magazine Best Photo Book of 2019. His work and words have featured in the New York Times, Gay Times, Evening Standard and L’Orient-Le Jour, among others.