'To show them we're not a zoo'
http://www.menassat.com/?q=en/news-articles/4653-show-them-were-not-zooAlexandra Sandels
9/17/2008
"Bekhsoos" is Arabic for "concerning," and LBTQ is short for Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgenders and Queer.
Launching an LBTQ magazine in the Arab world – even online – is a bold move, and it should come as no surprise that Bekhsoos is based in Lebanon, where homosexuality is somewhat more accepted than in most Arab countries (even though it is still illegal here.)
"Yes, we decided to create a magazine to show ourselves, to show we exist as more than pornographic creatures, to show that we are beings who lead lives just like those of any of the purportedly 'normal' others within our societies and communities, but most of all, to spread awareness, to reach out to members of our own community, to create networks of support, to make it known that every LBTQ individual out there is NOT alone," the manifesto continues.
