Lebanon
A year after the Beirut blast, the fight for justice continues
Rebuilding from the rubble — On 4 August 2020, a large quantity of ammonium nitrate exploded in the port of Beirut, killing 218 people and injuring 7000 others. A year on, protestors still fighting for answers gathered together on the streets.
Written by: Matt Kynaston
The digital archive unearthing queer Arab history
This is Takweer — Lebanese artist and designer Marwan Kaabour discusses his new Instagram account devoted to documenting LGBTQ+ narratives in Arab history and popular culture, which have all too often been cast aside.
Written by: Iman El Kafrawi
The project reviving Beirut’s forgotten trans history
Treat Me Like Your Mother — Combining studio shoots, interviews and archival imagery, a new book documents the untold stories of 11 trans women living in Beirut and rewrites the queer history of a war-torn city.
Written by: Gunseli Yalcinkaya
Beirut’s skate scene is rebuilding from the rubble
After the blast — For those living in the Lebanese capital, the explosion was simply the tip of the iceberg. As the city grapples with the aftermath, a group of skaters are fighting to save their scene – because for them, it’s the only way to escape the pressures of everyday life.
Written by: Victoria Schneider
Beirut protestors hold concert against LGBTQ censorship
Music is louder — After Mashrou’ Leila had a gig cancelled following pressure from ‘homophobic’ Christian groups, thousands flocked to The Palace Beirut to take action.
Written by: Alexander Durie
Beirut’s underground drag scene is fighting back
Making space — In the face of hatred and persecution, a collective of drag queens have carved out a community within the city: one that refuses to bow to fear.
Written by: Frankie Mills
The British sisters documenting the lives of Syrian refugees
Lost in Lebanon — Sisters Georgia and Sophia Scott discuss their documentary 'Lost in Lebanon', which follows four Syrian refugees living in the neighbouring country, giving a human face to a dehumanised conflict.
Written by: Marta Bausells
A story of sisterhood and escapism
Roller Derby Beirut — Huck’s latest film comes from Beirut, home to Lebanon’s first Roller Derby team, where a tightknit crew of female pioneers are determined to build something together.
Written by: HUCK HQ
Re-mapping Beirut one art project at a time
Making the most of wasted opportunities — Through a series of interactive performance pieces, art collective Dictaphone Group is fighting for the one thing Lebanon is lacking: public space.
Written by: Laurence Cornet