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Lebanon Is Finally Hosting Its First Ever LGBT Sexual Health Week
The Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health is running an awareness week for the LGBT community in Lebanon, and how the marginalisation of this group affects both sexual health and mental health.
A series of powerful videos have been made in order to raise awareness. Although Lebanon is one of the most progressive countries in the Arab world, we still fall short of adequate protection for all our citizens.
The doctor in the first video talks about the problems homosexual individuals in Lebanon face, with not being able to visit the doctor being one of them due to fear of mistreatment. He also expresses disbelief at how a state is allowed to interfere in one’s sex life.
“Samer’s mother” talks about how her son was diagnosed with HIV early on, and thus was able to be treated. This powerful video emphasises the importance of a supportive family, as that too is a key factor in seeking the health care the person needs.
Finally, Rima talks about her homosexual sister and the sexism and discrimination she faces in society. This discrimination is another key reason why homosexuality is buried under the shadow of a taboo.
The Lebanese Penal Code is clear that “unnatural” relations are against the law, and will be punished. “Unnatural” however doesn’t include animals apparently, since a grandfather law (that still exists) allows men to have sex with female animals. Great logic.
However, Lebanon has come close to repealing this law, with a few judges over the years condemning the restrictive law, although no formal action has been taken by Parliament to abolish it.
This health awareness week is very much needed in Lebanon, and helps us move forward as a country towards acceptance and living in a healthy and prosperous society.
A series of powerful videos have been made in order to raise awareness. Although Lebanon is one of the most progressive countries in the Arab world, we still fall short of adequate protection for all our citizens.
The doctor in the first video talks about the problems homosexual individuals in Lebanon face, with not being able to visit the doctor being one of them due to fear of mistreatment. He also expresses disbelief at how a state is allowed to interfere in one’s sex life.
“Samer’s mother” talks about how her son was diagnosed with HIV early on, and thus was able to be treated. This powerful video emphasises the importance of a supportive family, as that too is a key factor in seeking the health care the person needs.
Finally, Rima talks about her homosexual sister and the sexism and discrimination she faces in society. This discrimination is another key reason why homosexuality is buried under the shadow of a taboo.
The Lebanese Penal Code is clear that “unnatural” relations are against the law, and will be punished. “Unnatural” however doesn’t include animals apparently, since a grandfather law (that still exists) allows men to have sex with female animals. Great logic.
However, Lebanon has come close to repealing this law, with a few judges over the years condemning the restrictive law, although no formal action has been taken by Parliament to abolish it.
This health awareness week is very much needed in Lebanon, and helps us move forward as a country towards acceptance and living in a healthy and prosperous society.