What is Meem?

Launched on August 4, 2007, Meem is a community of  lesbian, bisexual, queer women and transgender persons (including male-to-female and female-to-male) in addition to women questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity in Lebanon. We believe in diversity.

Meem is based on values of empowerment, support, confidentiality, and respect. The group was created on the idea that women should be encouraged to empower themselves and each other through mutual support. We are a closed, private group, not out of fear, but because we work hard on guarding the safety and security of our members. We believe in empowerment through self-organizing.

Our goal is to create a safe space in Lebanon where queer women and transgender persons can meet, talk, discuss issues, share experiences, and work on improving their lives and themselves. In a nutshell, Meem is a group of really cool women and transgenders who look out for each other and work on making Lebanon a better home for queer and transgender persons. Oh, and we are really cool.

Membership in Meem is restricted only to LBQ women and Transgendered persons who are Lebanese (anywhere in the world) or living in Lebanon (of any nationality). These restrictions are there because a support group needs to remain focused. Meem started with 4 members and today has over 350 members.

What does the name “Meem” stand for?

The name “Meem” is derived from the Arabic letter “m” which stands for “majmouaat mou’azara lil-mar’a al-mithliya” (a support group for lesbian women). In Arabic, the letter looks like this: ?

The letter “meem” as an initial for the word “lesbian” (mithliya) and the word “transgender” (mutahawila) also symbolizes the anonymity of lesbians and transgenders in the Arab world. Plus, we love how the logo combines the Arabic letter with the female symbol.

We are, however, working on providing support services for lesbians, queers and transgenders all over the Arab world, and we do welcome emails and inquiries from anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, and geography.