Moroccan LGBTQ+ Youth Respond to Homophobia

Agadir – If a Moroccan writes a nonhomophobic book about LGBTQ+ issues in Morocco, there is sure to be a discussion on social media. As there was January 10, when Morocco World News (MWN) announced Fatima Zahra Amzkar’s publication of “Lesbian Diaries.”

The MWN article explained that “the story revolves around a girl named Tytyma who aims to break free from the persisting stigma to be able to accept her reality as a lesbian in a country that rejects homosexuality and considers it a taboo at best, and a shameful sin at worst.”

In social media discussions, commenters had plenty to say, though it is unlikely they have had time to read the recently published book. Many accused the writer, the novel’s content, and/or homosexuality in general of being “sinners” likened to “pedophiles” “confused” and so on.

There was nothing particularly unusual about the social media threads discussing “Lesbian Diaries,” as well as the common lack of LGBTQ+ voices in the aggressively homophobic conversation. Morocco World News reached out to three young LGBTQ+ people asking them to share their thoughts and feelings on this publication and the general situation affecting them in Morocco.

MWN asked the youths “How do you feel about the publication of Lesbian Diaries?”

Mariyem Gamar is a poet, writer, producer, leader for gender equality, and Founder and Director of Kasbah Tal’fin. Kasbah Tal’fin is the first intersectional feminist organization and platform led by and for women and LGBTQ+ youth of the Moroccan south.

Gamar responded: “It felt bittersweet. When I was a young queer woman, growing up in the conservative coastal south of Morocco, just the idea of uncensored LGBTQ+ stories seemed like a fantasy. There were even fewer stories depicting stories of women loving women in the Muslim world, let alone in the Maghreb! Seeing “Lesbian Diaries” published is an eye-opener, that LGBTQ+ narratives are no longer invisible and youth in Arab-speaking countries are reclaiming their history from the mainstream culture.”

Hamza Dihiya, a Moroccan Queer activist responded: “ Personally, I encourage all cultural attempts that try to hear unheard voices and convey them to the farthest extent. Amzkar’s novel dealing with LGBTQ+ issues is fine. Talking about different sexualities is still a matter of shame and that’s a real shame. The evidence that the time to have this discussion is that the publishing house has agreed to work with the writer and to publish the book.”

A., a bi/pan mixed-nationality young man responded that “in all likelihood, it will be an eye-opening experience to young Moroccans who are interested in at least hearing about stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ oriented individuals.”

MWN asked: “What is your experience in writing and sharing Queer stories in Morocco?”

Hamza Dihiya responded: “I love writing in general, especially when it comes to writing about the feminist issue or the queer issue. I have previously written illustrated stories in Darija under the title “Queer Morocco” that tell real stories of people from our society of different genders and non-stereotypical/ non-conforming genders.

“I wanted to tell everyone that today we exist and we participate in social life in different forms. We started our revolution and we will not stop it until we get what we want. We do not want to create problems, but rather seek to solve them.”

Dihiya added that “I am also now planning to work on a podcast as an audio platform on topics of particular interest to queer people, including Moroccan lesbian, transgender, and non-binary women cause I believe that in culture is the solution and the key to change.”

A. responded: “I have very little experience with either sharing or writing about “Queer” stories. Anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is high and still often treated as a disease to be cured and not merely a piece of one’s reality. Even starting a discussion on the subject is difficult and often leads to circular arguments.”

MWN asked: “Why are these stories important, especially in Morocco?”

Hamza Dihiya responded: “Any positive, neutral, or solidarity attempt to highlight the queer presence in Morocco is very important because it conveys voices and messages that are suppressed, tortured, and imprisoned because of the laws and norms of patriarchal society, religion, and other parties.

“Writing is a kind of liberation, in fact, it is a liberation of thoughts and feelings. Our thoughts and feelings are very important. We want to say to everyone who opposes us and those who support us as well – We are here. We are not okay, but we strive to become so. So yes, they are initiatives that I encourage and love.”

A. responded: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that,” said Martin Luther King Jr. “Because it is important to recognize the pain and suffering that is spread by refusing to acknowledge the reality that LGBTQ+ people exist and that they should be treated as equal humans. Because first and foremost that’s what they are, human.”

MWN asked: “What is your response to Moroccans who insist there is a homosexual agenda?

Gamar responded: “Yes, there is a homosexual agenda. It’s not one you can find published, but you can read it as the deep sentiment of LGBTQ+ youth and queer women to live true to themselves, to have spaces, dignity, and equal standing in society just like their heterosexual peers. And I love this agenda.”

Hamza Dihiya responded: “Talking about the existence of a gay agenda is very funny and sometimes irritating as well. I find that this saying is a weak argument that the state uses in its policy, especially so that we do not obtain our demands and natural rights. So that we do not demand and revolt, as we are considered outlaws.“

“The country’s politics are afraid of our presence and you consider it a threat. I say this because the talk of this agenda is political par excellence. There are no such things as foreign agendas. There is external solidarity in some form. Yes, but the issue of the agenda is illogical. Our struggle is a peaceful Moroccan Amazigh youth par excellence that seeks only to achieve freedom and social justice.”

A. responded: “Yes, yes there is a ‘Homosexual Agenda.’ It is an agenda to have the right to exist without discrimination. An agenda to live a life without fear and pain. Why is that such an insulting idea to Moroccans? How is it right to control and punish people for something natural AND harmless? Who is being hurt by allowing LGBTQ+ rights?”

MWN said, “From her interview: ‘When asked about what inspired her to come up with the novel’s plot, Amzkar stressed that many people still have a wrong idea about LGBTQ+…’ What wrong ideas do you want to directly address?”

Gamar responded: “Moroccan people are accommodating by their nature when they understand that you are a good person in nature. I see how many Moroccans can be homophobic and transphobic, but if you are lucky enough that they know you before knowing your identity and judge you as a good person, they won’t hurt you, at least not physically.”

“But Moroccans need to listen to LGBTQ+ youth and stop attaching us to wrong stereotypes. In Kasbah Tal’fin, we launched a #queermorocco campaign in 2020 where allies and LGBTQ+ youth became visible talking about wrongful stereotypes. But there needs to be much more dialogue to replace fear with love and acceptance.”

A: “The idea that it is a disease to be treated, The idea that governments should hold back peoples rights simply because the culture demands it. The idea that we as a people somehow lose something when LGBTQ+ people gain rights.”