As Israel massed
tanks and troops on the Lebanese border Friday in
readiness for a likely ground invasion, a Lebanese member of
Helem--an Arabic acronym for Lebanese Protection
for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgender
People--made time for a short interview with The
Advocate's sister Web site, Gay.com, about the
current situation in Beirut and what it's like to be gay in
wartime. The Helem member wished to remain anonymous.
Gay.com: What's happening with gay people there
now? Are gay clubs closing?
Helem member: Almost all the clubs--gay
and non-gay--are closed since the Israeli
aggression, so I suppose that means the gay clubs are closed.
How is the war affecting gay people in Lebanon?
The war is affecting gay people the same way it
is affecting straight people for the moment. It is
depressing for both gay and non-gay people to see that
all the effort Lebanese people have made for the past 15
years has been destroyed within five days.
Are gays able to support one another at this time?
Helem Lebanon joined a network of NGOs
[nongovernmental organizations] working to provide aid
for refugees coming to Beirut from south Lebanon and
the city's southern suburb. We also suspended our normal
activities and transformed our offices to a relief
center. Somehow it is nice to see gay and heterosexual
people working together to help the refugees.
That is all I can say for the moment--but
I will provide you with more information when
possible. (The Advocate)
