Assal is based in New York City and has members from the Eastern United States. We are connected by an email list and meet regularly in NYC.
Assal
New York Arab and Iranian Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Women's Group
Assal
New York Arab and Iranian Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Women's Group
MISSION STATEMENT
* To empower ourselves,
* To reach out to others,
* To create a presence in the L/G/B/T movement, and
* To foster acceptance in the Arab and Iranian communities.
1. To Empower Ourselves
By exploring the diverse facets of our identities and experiences as LBT Arab and Iranian women, we will achieve strength, voice, and solidarity. Central to this goal is an understanding of our relationships as LBT individuals to our inherited or chosen families, and to the communities into which we were born. We want the intellectual, emotional, and physical space that allows us the freedom of full thought and expression, and to celebrate, and take pride in being both Arab or Iranian, and queer.
2. To Reach Out
It is our priority to reach out to other Arab and Iranian LBT women, bring them into our circle, and provide them with moral support, friendship, and a sense of community and safety. Where possible, we will also provide resources and information.
3. To Create a Presence in the LGBT Movement
We will have a voice in international LGBT politics through representation in political and cultural awareness activities in the U.S. and other countries. We will build bridges and create reciprocal support systems with other queer people of color or progressive groups through mutual education and political involvement. This is vital, both to counteract the stereotyping of Arabs and Iranians as well as to harness the support of the entire queer community.
4. To Foster Acceptance in the Arab and Iranian Communities
We are beginning the difficult though not impossible task of fostering presence, visibility, and ultimately acceptance, in the Arab World and Iran, and in communities of Arab and Iranian descent in the United States and abroad. Many Arab and Iranian communities are ignorant of or deny our existence. Some actively discriminate against or suppress the expression of our sexuality. In the face of that, we will forge strategic alliances with progressive groups that support our cause and whose broader efforts we can assist.
