Meem members have launched a petition at the American University of Beirut in protest of strongly homophobic remarks directed by a Professor at two students in his class. The petition, currently being signed by AUB students, calls on the administration to take strict measures to maintain a campus life and university education that is non-discriminatory on the basis of sexual orientation.

Our discussion groups are back in action! In October, we held the first of what will be a series of discussions on the topic: “My Ex’s Ex Likes Your Ex Ya Ex” which aims to demystify the taboos and unhealthy dynamics often taken to be characteristic of lesbian organizing. We discussed love, dating, relationships, break-ups, the “ex” factor, and other personal challenges particular to maintaining a healthy and supportive lesbian community.

Our Activist Development workshops attracted large audiences in October. Meem members held interactive workshops on Script-Writing, How to Lead a Meeting, and Stenciling, among others.

A Meem member visited Belgium for 5 days in October as part of a team preparing a youth awareness project in schools and youth centers in the Flanders. She also visited the offices of ILGA Europe (the International Lesbian & Gay Association) and met with Patricia Cruzi, Women’s Program Coordinator.

Twenty one Meem members participated in a fantastic 2-day training camp on gender and sexuality on September 20-21, 2008. The program included lectures on gender theory, sexual diversities, movement-building, and feminism. The highlight of the training was the session on sexual rights and its multi-layered intersections. We will hereon be referring to ourselves as non-conforming sexual beings