The Queer Arab Glossary is a first-of-its-kind survey of the linguistic landscape surrounding queerness in the Arab world. It brings together more than 300 words and terms used to refer to queer people across the spoken Arabic dialects, ranging from the humorous to the harrowing, serious to tongue-in-cheek, pejorative to endearing. Featuring anecdotes and fascinating historical facts, the bilingual glossary paints a linguistic picture of how queer bodies are perceived within the Arab region. It includes insightful essays by eight leading Arab queer artists, academics, activists and writers, which situate the glossary in a modern social and political context. With beautiful, witty illustrations by Haitham Haddad, The Queer Arab Glossary is a powerful response to myths about queer people in the Arab world. It is proof that the LGBTQI+ Arab community is alive and thriving, despite the challenges.

About the Author
Marwan Kaabour is an independent graphic designer and visual artist from Beirut, currently living and working in London. His work with institutions, brands and individuals in the art and cultural sector ranges from creating visual identities, publication and exhibition design, to marketing campaigns, wayfinding systems and art direction for both print and online projects. In 2019, he launched Takweer, a platform that explores queer narratives in Arab history and popular culture.Marwan moved to London in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in Graphic Design from the London College of Communication, then joined Barnbrook - one of the UK's most formidable and celebrated design agencies - as Designer and later Senior Designer. He founded his own studio in 2020.

Reviews
'The spicy guide to queer Arab slang ... The Queer Arab Glossary [is] a playfully illustrated compendium of words from the affectionate to the derogatory.' -- The Guardian
'This gloriously confident book will be an eye-opening, often unashamedly sexual, revelation and education to most ... It's a rare blessing that The Queer Arab Glossary manages to capture a slang consciousness that otherwise might have slipped by.' -- The Bookseller
'The Queer Arab Glossary conjures community, resilience, and breathing space in the form of a book. As a project and offering rooted in archival care and memory work it remains refreshingly committed to laying bricks towards a future of recognition and emancipation. The Queer Arab Glossary is but a beginning, but one that is brimming with aliveness and possibility.' -- AnOther Magazine
'The Queer Arab Glossary brilliantly brings together Arab LGBTQ+ slang, drawing on words from the past and present to create the queer language of the Arab region.' -- L'Orient-Le Jour (Lebanon)
'Marwan Kaabour has shown deft editorial skill in assembling this provocative and cheekily illustrated collection.' -- Arab Digest
The Queer Arab Glossary is a snapshot of the linguistic landscape around queerness in the Arabic-speaking world without sanitising its history. It is not a definitive glossary, but a conversation starter, encouraging others to build upon it and continue documenting queer culture.' -- Dua Lipa's Service 95



Book Information
ISBN 9780863560927
Author Marwan Kaabour
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Saqi Books
Publisher Saqi Books
Weight(grams) 250g
Dimensions(mm) 200mm * 155mm * 30mm