Helem

Previous: Gender/Sexuality Rights Association Taiwan | Next: Instituto Runa

Since 2004, Hemaya Lebnaneya Lil Milthayeen (Helem) has experienced unprecedented success in Lebanon, taking the lead in ending legal, social and cultural discrimination against LGBT people. Helem’s HIV/AIDS center was named number one by the Ministry of Health, and it runs the only 24/7 helpline for LGBT people. The organization also co-published the first Arabic-language book on homophobia, and submitted an important shadow report at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS.

Strategic and bold, Helem set the stage for an advocacy campaign rooted in human rights by conducting a study on the impact of homophobic laws like Article 534 across Arab countries. Set to include trainings for activists and materials for lawyers, judges and lawmakers, as well as a media watch, Helem is building momentum to advance LGBT rights in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East.

Previous: Gender/Sexuality Rights Association Taiwan | Next: Instituto Runa