Activities Highlights
The Regional Livelihood of GBTQ Using Grindr: Discrimination, Violence, Rights, and Relationships
MOSAIC with the support of G4E (Grindr for Equality), and with the collaboration of AFE - Arab Foundation For Freedoms and Equality is pleased to announce the launch of a survey study on gay, bi, trans* women and queer experiences in the MENA region. The study findings are based on 1,794 survey answers from participants who were recruited through broadcast messages on Grindr, in twenty countries, from the Middle East and North Africa. The survey was open for one month during September of 2016. Data cleaning and initial analysis were conducted by the Center for Transnational Development and Collaboration (CTDC). This survey was fielded in Arabic, English, and French. We additionally want to thank all who attended our launch event, and for those who were not able to receive a physical copy, please find it in our publications tab.
When Activism Works - Interview with Gopi Shankar Madurai
MOSAIC had the pleasure to speak with activist Gopi Shankar Madurai moments after the announcement on India's Supreme Court decriminalizing Section 377 of the Penal Code. This is what he had to say:
SOGIESC ToT
Two of our graduates from our Gender and Sexual Orientation Based Violence (GSOBV) Training of Trainers were chosen & supported by MOSAIC to conduct their own two-day training session on August 30th and 31st in Chekka, Lebanon. The training was given to enhance the participants' knowledge and build their skills in order to empower their communities. Please stay tuned to learn more about our upcoming training sessions. We encourage individuals from all nationalities, sexual orientations, and gender identities/expressions to participate.
Gender and Sexual Orientation based Violence (GSOBV) training
On August 8th, 9th, and 10th our team conducted a Training of Trainers in Chekka, Lebanon on Gender and Sexual Orientation based Violence (GSOBV). The 15 participants who came from different parts of North Governorate included workers with/for NGOs, INGOs, & UN agencies, as well as activists. Two graduates will be chosen and supported by MOSAIC to conduct two future training sessions. The training by graduates will be over a period of two days.
Legal Prevention
On Monday, July 30th, 2018, we had a session with lawyer Layal Sakr where we learned about our legal rights as residents in Lebanon, the history of Article 534, current rulings, trans rights to transition, forced anal exams, refugee obstacles, and much more. Participants had opportunities to ask Layal specific questions. This session was accomplished with the help of Lebanon Humanitarian Fund. We will have future educational sessions so make sure to stay updated. As a reminder, you may call MOSAIC for legal help if you are arrested/detained +961 76 945 445.
International Day Against HomoHATE & TransHate @AUST
On the occasion of the International Day Against Homo"phobia"HATE and TransHate, It is necessary to demand and work on abolishing article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code because it affects not only the freedoms of the LGBTIQ community but also the sexual and personal freedoms in general. The "phobia" towards the LGBTIQ community and the accompanying aggression and assault, such as physical punishment and acts of hatred and violations of private freedoms, is a danger to the individual and to the society in general. To this end, the idea of involving university students in this campaign is important in changing the inherited stereotypes and gaining support as a generation of change and advocacy, in order to shape a society that respects difference and diversity.
International Women's Day 2017
On the occasion of International Women's Day. We want to say: support starts with listening to WOMEN #IWDMARCH #IWD2017 #Support #Listening #AllWomen #BeBold Photography by Marwan Tahtah
“When merely existing is a risk: Sexual and gender minorities in conflict, displacement and peacebuilding”
MOSAIC, Arab Foundation For Freedoms and Equality (AFE), and International Alert, with generous support of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Launched a study "When merely existing is a risk: Sexual and gender minorities in conflict, displacement and peacebuilding" after leading a field research in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia, Lebanon and Nepal, to document the impacts of social exclusion and discrimination on sexual and gender minorities in war, peace and displacement.
Drama & Art Therapy
With the support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beirut, MOSAIC Organization is hosting a series of Drama & Art therapy sessions for transgender women.
The sessions then proceed to empower individuals by providing them with the tools of confrontation in order to properly voice out feelings in a creative and healthy way.
The aim of these sessions is to provide support and assistance to those who are in need of it or simply just want it.
Drama & Art Therapy for Trans-Gender Women
With the support of the Women's Refugee Commission, MOSAIC Organization is hosting a series of Drama & Art therapy sessions for transgender women. The acting techniques acquired throughout aim to develop individuals expression with the intention of filming scenes of their daily lives
English Courses
With the aim of developing the skills of refugees that belong to LGBTIQ communities, MOSAIC, in partnership with United Nations OCHA, is organizing English Learning classes.
FiveFilms4Freedom
FiveFilms4Freedom is a digital, global, LGBT-rights film festival that was active throughout the month of March. To shed light on legal issues affecting the LGBT community in Lebanon, MOSAIC has decided to answer some recurrent questions.
Survivor Centered Case Management Workshops
Vocal and Singing Classes
Harmonising our voices identities Vocal†training singing classes for LGBTIQ living in Lebanon *Trainer: Sarag Gabouyd Pailian
Diaries of a Trans Refugee
Between hope and the projection for a better future, between solitude and sharing experiences, problems and achievements with others, between living in peace and the exposure to the worst kinds of physical and psychological violence, between receiving support from organizations and self-support, The love for life remains dominant and the smile remains as shining as the sunlight on Sarya’s face who fought pain, weakness and abuse, hoping for a better life away from the Arab World while keeping within her the love and nostalgia for the areas she used to love in Beirut.
Gender Spot PATRIARCHY
In our present day, a lot of issues related to social injustice are spread in our society creating disparity and social pressure. This leads to many complications as well as a halt in the development.
This imbalance affects the stability of society and constitutes an unfair social model that procures absolute power to certain groups. This unfair division plays a big role in crushing many marginalized populations.
This social model is, in fact, the source of a multitude of stereotypes based on social and gender roles attributed by our societies. It is also the primary reason for the repression of certain populations considered non-conforming to its values.
Through this project, funded by Hivos, in collaboration with Chouf and Mawjoudin, Mosaic wishes to shed light on the dangers of patriarchy within our societies through a few examples, stereotypes and consequences that marginalised communities, women, and LGBT folk face everyday leading to their entrapment in environments that deprive them from their basic rights.
MOSAIC Gender-spot Bisexuality
Mosaic first Gender-spot funded by #Hivos www.hivos.org In collaboration with Mawjoudin We Exist and CHOUF minorities aim to deconstruct all myths and stereotypes and correct related public misconceptions in #lebanon and #Tunisia.
produced by Limelight Productions #bisexuality #myth #facts #mawjoudeen #chouf #SOGI
#TRANS Woman speaks out #16Days of Activism to end #ViolenceAgainstWomen
Notwithstanding the severity of SGBV against all women which includes both gender conforming women and women with non-conforming gender and/or sexual orientations, this video, first and foremost, hopes to underline firsthand experiences of women with non-conforming gender and/or sexual orientations living in Lebanon. Trans*Women face harsh discrimination on a daily basis, from physical violence to verbal abuse, from mockery to exclusion, not to mention the threats of bloodshed that they encounter.As part of our fight against SGBV, it is time for ALL women to challenge the standard prevailing narrative.
#Lesbian Woman speaks out #16Days of Activism to end #ViolenceAgainstWomen
The year 2015 marks the 24th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. Since 1991, the campaign, spanning from the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th until Human Rights Day on December 10th, has given civil society organizations, political activists, and all-community groups, the opportunity to break the silence around Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Teaser for the #16Days of Activism to end #ViolenceAgainstWomen
Teaser #LBT #Lesbian #Bisexual #Trans #16Days#ViolenceagainstWomen #GBV
produced by 1morecup media organization
Focus group international alert, September 4, 9 and October 15th
Mosaic Association organized with the support of International Alert association in collaboration with the Arab Foundation for freedom and equality 3 focus groups targeting homosexuals, transponders and bisexuals in Lebanon, in order to develop a better social , legal and health services
Makhzoumi Trainings and Sessions, August 2015
MOSAIC and 1morecup media organization are organizing a series of trainings and sessions in collaboration with Makhzoumi in order to highlight legal issues of LGBTIQ Syrians, in addition to trainings that the LGBTIQ are receiving on the technicalities of photography within the framework of producing a documentary film about the challenges and situations that the refuges go through by leaving their country, arriving and settling in Lebanon.
Male Survivors of Sexual Assault: A Manual on Evaluation and Management for General Practitioners September 15, 2015
With the support of the Norwegian embassy in Lebanon, MOSAIC organized an initial training session at the Radisson Hotel- Ain El Mrayse, for health care providers and forensic doctors at Makhzoumi. The training aimed at providing health care providers and health service workers in medical institutions with the knowledge, skills and information to ensure that every male survivor of sexual assault receives the best care with the utmost competence and professional intervention.
Drama & Art therapy
Every other Saturday starting September, 2015 and until Mid-February 2016, MOSAIC is organizing a series of Art & Drama therapy sessions in partnership with UNOCHA for LGBTI*individuals. By first opening up to the group, spontaneous attitudes and struggles are poured into a safe space.
The sessions then proceed to empower individuals by providing them with the tools of confrontation in order to properly voice out feelings in a creative and healthy way.
The aim of these sessions is to provide support and assistance to those who are in need of it or simply just want it.
For more information, please contact the helpline number: 76 945 445
The struggle of the Gays and the Lesbians March 5th 2015
The world was witnessing a widespread discussion over the obstacles facing the unity of the gays and lesbians fight for their rights. When did those two movements separate and what are the main reasons of this separation? What do activists think of the need to unite those two movements? The panel, facilitated by Charbel Maydaa (Director of MOSAIC), led to discussions about the necessity for the homogeneity and inclusiveness of NGOs working on LGBTIQ rights in order to improve the wellbeing and services for members of the community. The general consensus was that Lesbians and Gays must unite in order to at least break the sexist margins that have been erected within the community.
http://www.almodon.com/society/7a2ce1a0-273e-4842-bff4-77857aff3c2d
Training on Sexual orientation and Gender Identity 7 and 8 March, 2015 (SOGI)
MOSAIC held a workshop on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), with the support of the Norwegian Embassy. The workshop was held over 2 days, 20 focal points from 6 governorates in Lebanon were trained to detect, monitor, and report human rights violations in addition to SOGI training.
Privacy & Repression against women in revolutionary times
Discussion on Privacy, repression, against women in revolutionary times, with the activist Joumana Merhy. January 28, 2015