Unspeakable Love by Brian Whitaker

Unspeakable Love

Gay and Lesbian Life in the Middle East

Brian Whitaker

Homosexuality is a taboo subject in Arab countries. Clerics denounce it as a heinous sin, while newspapers write cryptically of ‘shameful acts.’ Although many parts of the world now accept sexual diversity, the Middle East is moving in the opposite direction. In this absorbing account, journalist Brian Whitaker calls attention to the voices of men and women who are struggling with gay identities in societies where they are marginalized and persecuted by the authorities. He paints a disturbing picture of people who live secretive, fearful lives and who are often jailed, beaten, and ostracized by their families, or sent to be ‘cured’ by psychiatrists. Whitaker’s exploration of changing sexual behavior in the Arab world reveals that–while deeply repressive prejudices and stereotypes still govern much thinking about homosexuality–there are pockets of change and tolerance. The author combines personal accounts from individuals in the region with a look at recent Arab films and novels featuring gay characters and conducts a sensitive comparative reading of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic strictures around sexuality. Deeply informed and engagingly written, Unspeakable Love draws long overdue attention to a crucial subject. Copub: Saqi Books Homosexuality is a taboo subject in Arab countries. Clerics denounce it as a heinous sin, while newspapers write cryptically of ‘shameful acts.’ Although many parts of the world now accept sexual diversity, the Middle East is moving in the opposite direction. In this absorbing account, journalist Brian Whitaker calls attention to the voices of men and women who are struggling with gay identities in societies where they are marginalized and persecuted by the authorities. He paints a disturbing picture of people who live secretive, fearful lives and who are often jailed, beaten, and ostracized by their families, or sent to be ‘cured’ by psychiatrists. Whitaker’s exploration of changing sexual behavior in the Arab world reveals that–while deeply repressive prejudices and stereotypes still govern much thinking about homosexuality–there are pockets of change and tolerance. The author combines personal accounts from individuals in the region with a look at recent Arab films and novels featuring gay characters and conducts a sensitive comparative reading of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic strictures around sexuality. Deeply informed and engagingly written, Unspeakable Love draws long overdue attention to a crucial subject. Copub: Saqi Books

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Details

ISBN 9780520250178
Genre LGBT Studies/Social Sciences
Publication Date 06-Nov-06
Publisher University of California Press
Format Trade Paperback
No. of Pages 264
Language English
Rating NotRated
Subject Homosexualite – Aspect Religieux; Homosexualite – Moyen-Orient; Homosexualite – Pays Musulmans; Homosexuality – Islamic Countries; Homosexuality – Middle East
BookID 13939

Author: LFWBooks