Compassion for Arabs

Description of Event:

This presentation reviews common features of Arab-American experiences at different levels of immigration and cultural acclimation. Exploration of what propaganda and cultural lensing exists in common American languages, how it affects sex therapy, and what struggles continue to exist between individualist and collectivist perspectives and schools of thought.

Diversity in the Arab world’s religions, politics, ethnicities, etc. with central exploration of the experiences of those with Middle East and North African (MENA) and Levantine heritages will be highlighted. The phenomenon “Queers for Palestine” will be explored to help therapists understand the complicated and nuanced elements of queer identity, expression, and support to a people that are often interpreted as homophobic and dangerous to queer individuals. Historical context of 19th century Colonialism, development of Nationalistic identities, and the current tensions in the region are explained for any therapist who wishes to better understand the perspectives of Levantine Arabs without expecting their clients to review the history. Primary lensing is provided by a Lebanese-born US citizen.