Meem (group)

Meem (in Arabic language م ) is a Lebanese LBTQ women group that was founded in August 2007 as the first ever lesbian organization established in the Arab World. The full name is مجموعة مؤازرة للمرأة المثليّة , pronounced /Majmou3at Mou'azara lil Mar’a al-Mithliya/ (translated as Support Group for Lesbian Women).

It aims in supporting lesbian, bisexual, transgender (including male-to-female and female-to-male), queer, and women questioning their sexual orientation in Lebanon. Membership has risen above 200.

The group was formed as an offshoot of Helem, the general GLBT organization started in 2002 in Lebanon, again the first-ever gay organization established in the Arab World.

Origin of the name

The name “Meem” is derived from the Arabic letter “m” (Meem) which stands for "majmouaat mou'azara lil-mar’a al-mithliya" (a support group for lesbian women). In Arabic, the letter looks like this (in Arabic م ). The letter "meem" as an initial for the word lesbian (in Arabic مثليّة pronounced /mithliya/) also symbolizes the anonymity of lesbians in the Arab world.

Aims

The group offers community support, psychological counseling, an activity center, legal support, social events, and the opportunity to work on social change.^[1] Meem also hosts a Womyn House that serves as an activity and resource center in Beirut. Meem is based on values of equality, support, confidentiality, and respect. The group was created on the idea that women should be encouraged to empower themselves and each other through mutual support. Meem is a closed, private group, not out of fear, but because they work hard on guarding the safety and security of our members. It believes in empowerment through self-organizing.

The goal of Meem is to create a safe space in Lebanon where lesbians can meet, talk, discuss issues, share experiences, and work on improving their lives and themselves.

Membership

Membership in Meem is restricted only to LBTQ women who are Lebanese (anywhere in the world) or living in Lebanon (of any nationality). These restrictions are there because a support group needs to remain focused. We are, however, working on providing support services for lesbians all over the Arab World.

Publications

In 2009, "Bareed Mista3jil" is a book published by the Lebanese lesbian Meem organization in Beirut. Available in both English and Arabic versions, the book is a collection of 41 true and personal stories from lesbians, bisexuals, queer and questioning women, and transgender persons from all over Lebanon.^[2]

See also

LGBT portal

• Helem
• LGBT rights in Lebanon
• Yogyakarta Principles in Action
• List of LGBT rights organisations

References

1. ^ Meem Website
2. ^ Bareed Mista3jil Official book website

External links

• Meem Official website