New Gay Magazine in Morocco

A new gay magazine in Morocco called Mithly seeks to show progress for gay people in the North African country.

According to The Guardian, "Since its launch last month, Mithly -- the title is an Arabic word meaning 'the same as me,' signifying gay -- has covered subjects including the controversy over Elton John playing at a music festival in the country, a study of suicide among gay Moroccans and a book by an Algerian transsexual named Randa. The Arabic-language publication has sold 200 copies so far."

Samir Bargachi, the general coordinator of Kif-Kif, a Moroccan gay rights group based in Spain, told The Guardian that the print edition lacks a government distribution license.

Homosexuality is punishable by up to three years in jail under Moroccan law, and most of the writers for Mithly live in the country under a low profile.

Bargachi talked with the website Afrik.com about his hopes for the new magazine, according to The Guardian.

"For over five years now, there has been a debate surrounding homosexuality in Morocco. But the mainstream media has the tendency to sensationalise the subject," he said. "With Mithly, we have the opportunity to give the views of homosexuals, and the opportunity to interact directly with society."