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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, Guardian 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. This updated edition includes new material covering developments since the book's first publication.
Author: Brian Whitaker
Paperback Published June 2011 320 pages
Orig. Publ. 2006
‘Masterful – incredibly balanced and thoughtful’ - Ben Summerskill
‘Anyone interested in reform in the Arab world must read this book’
Mai Yamani
‘Wise and compassionate’
Guardian
‘A must-read for anyone who believes in human rights’
Rabih Alameddine
‘Never before has such a comprehensive study of gay civil rights been published’
The Middle East Gay Journal