Arab-American Heritage Month, observed in April, is a significant time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural heritage, diverse experiences, and invaluable contributions of Arab American people to the fabric of American society. This month serves as a platform to amplify Arab voices, challenge stereotypes, and foster understanding and appreciation for the complexities of Arab identity, especially for those living in the United States. In recent years, the intersection of Arab and LGBTQ+ identities has become increasingly visible, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community.
Similar to all marginalized communities and communities of color, the Arab LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges and experiences that are often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream narratives. These individuals navigate the intersectionality of their Arab and LGBTQ+ identities, grappling with cultural expectations, societal norms, and systemic discrimination. The need for authentic representation and visibility of Arab LGBTQ+ voices in the media, arts, and entertainment industries is paramount to foster understanding, combat stereotypes, and promote acceptance and inclusion.
Arab-American Heritage Month offers an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Arab LGBTQ+ individuals, celebrating their resilience, courage, and contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and society at large. By centering intersectionality and embracing the multifaceted identities of Arab LGBTQ+ individuals, we can challenge monolithic narratives, foster dialogue, and create a more inclusive and equitable space for all.
Film & TV
Amin El Gamal (he/they)
Amin El Gamal is a trailblazing Egyptian-American actor hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area. Best known for his role as the sinister Cyclops in Fox’s Prison Break revival, he made history as the first openly queer Muslim actor to play a leading role on TV. His diverse filmography includes roles in Breaking Fast on Hulu, Message from the King alongside Chadwick Boseman, and appearances in popular shows like Good Trouble and Transparent. A Stanford and USC graduate, Amin is also an outspoken advocate for racial justice, refugee resettlement, and LGBTQ+ Muslim representation in Hollywood.
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Ahmad Maksoud (he/him)
Born and raised in Boston, Ahmad Maksoud, a first-generation American to Egyptian-born parents, has always been drawn to the stage. After majoring in Theatre Performance and Psychology at Northeastern University, Ahmad honed their craft professionally before pursuing advanced training at the American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theater School at Harvard University. You can learn more about Ahmad and other queer artists in the community in this month’s Arab-American Heritage Month hangout series over at GLAAD’s Instagram hosted by GLAAD’s Communities of Color and Media.
Karina Dandashi (she/her)
Karina Dandashi is a Syrian-American Muslim writer, director, and actor born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Her films explore nuances in identity through the intersection of family, religion, and culture in Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) and Muslim communities in America. Karina is a 2020 Silver Sun Diverse Voices Creative Culture Fellow at The Jacob Burns Film Center and a 2021 Sundance Ignite Fellow. She was featured in Marie Claire’s inaugural Creators Issue as one of the “Top 21 Creators to Watch” in 2022.
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Music & Arts
Dua Saleh (they/them)
Dua Saleh, a gender non-binary Sudanese-American artist, burst onto the music scene with their debut EP “Nūr,” blending infectious bravado with haunting introspection. Growing up in St. Paul’s vibrant Rondo neighborhood, Saleh’s eclectic musical influences range from Sudanese melodies to 1940s jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Beyond music, Saleh has made waves in acting, notably starring as Cal Bowman in Netflix’s “Sex Education,” showcasing their multifaceted talent across film and music.
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Ghazellé (she/her)
Ghazellé is a Jordanian & Armenian singer/songwriter whose eclectic style and powerful lyrics have made a significant impact on the music scene. One of her core beliefs is that art is a vehicle for liberation. Through her music, Ghazellé addresses themes of identity, love, and activism, becoming a voice for Arab and LGBTQ+ communities alike.
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RIDIKKULUZ (he/him)
RIDIKKULUZ is a New York-based, Queer, Jordanian-American multidisciplinary artist whose work in painting, sculpture, and performance explores marginalized identities and their spaces. His art bridges Western and Arab cultures, reflecting themes of identity, duality, and intense emotion. A Khalil Gibran Scholar and member of New York’s House of Xtravaganza ballroom scene, RIDIKKULUZ has exhibited internationally and collaborated with artists like Lupe Fiasco.
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Literature & Comics
Randa Jarrar (she/her/he)
Randa Jarrar is a celebrated writer and educator whose literary works have made a lasting impact on Arab-American literature. She is also a performer who has recently starred on Hulu’s RAMY. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Salon, Bitch, Buzzfeed, and elsewhere. She is a recipient of a Creative Capital Award and an American Book Award, as well as awards and fellowships from Civitella Ranieri, the Lannan Foundation, Hedgebrook, PEN, and others. She has been participating in writing workshops for 27 years.
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Jennifer Camper (she/her)
Jennifer Camper is a New York City-based cartoonist and graphic artist whose work uniquely blends dark, sly humor with a focus on the experiences of outsiders. As a Lebanese American, her irreverent and insightful comics explore themes of gender, race, class, and politics, alongside more whimsical subjects like mermaids and robots. Camper is also a cartoon editor, teacher, and the creator of the Queers & Comics Conference, and her work has been featured internationally, including in the documentary “No Straight Lines, the Rise of Queer Comics.”
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Leila Abdelrazaq (she/her)
Leila Abdelrazaq is a Palestinian author and artist based in Detroit, born in Chicago. Her work, including the acclaimed graphic novel “Baddawi,” delves into themes of diaspora, refugees, and borders, drawing from her personal experiences as the daughter of a Palestinian refugee. As a co-founder of Al Mirsa and a member of For The People Artist’s Collective, Abdelrazaq actively promotes Arab arts and culture, aiming to use her art as a tool for activism and education.
Conclusion
Arab-American Heritage Month provides an important opportunity to celebrate and amplify the voices of Arab LGBTQ+ talent in the entertainment industry. The diverse contributions of these artists across film, music, arts, and literature serve as a testament to their resilience, creativity, and impact on shaping cultural narratives. As we reflect on the significance of this month, let us continue to support and uplift diverse voices, ensuring that Arab and LGBTQ+ stories are heard, celebrated, and valued.