Helem

Helem (or Lebanese Protection for LGBTQs), is the first LGBTIQ rights organization in the Arab world, established in Beirut, Lebanon in 2004. Its mission is to lead a peaceful struggle for the liberation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Intersex, Transgendered, Queer (LGBTIQ) and other persons with non-conforming sexualities and/or gender identities in Lebanon and the MENA region from all sorts of violations of their individual and collective civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Helem's work operates on the three pillars of Services, Community, and Advocacy. Our services are leveraged to provide assistance and guidance to the community as well as a conduit to access reliable data. It includes Helem's hotline and online support service, the emergency response unit in cases of arrest (including securing release), securing legal representation in case of prosecution, legal follow-up, as well as human rights abuses documentation and case work. Our community work includes maintaining a safe and vibrant community center, empowering community members with knowledge and skills including leadership and advocacy skills, and leveraging community power for grassroots activism and outreach. Our advocacy work centers around legislative reform, societal awareness building, policy reform in private and public institutions, and knowledge production.