Israel's Might Help Gay Arabs

A gay character could help break down homophobia in the Arab world with the Israeli version of the British and U.S. hit sitcom The Office, according to CNN.

The series, HaMisrad, will feature, among other characters like their Anglo counterparts, Abed, a gay Israeli Arab who does everything he can to blend into the predominantly Jewish office.

"Arab stereotypes are not so bright -- stupid sometimes -- but this Abed guy, he turns everything around. He knows a lot," Khoury says. The character will be involved in what promises to be a controversial story line -- a colleague sees him kissing his boyfriend. Khoury hopes the scene will help break down homophobia within the Arab world.

"People say shame on you, how can you do this? Just for acting it. It's not so common," Khoury says. "I know there are a lot of Arab gays here but nobody knows about them; they stay closed."