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Saqi lands the first collection of Arabic LGBTQ+ slang edited by Marwan Kaabour
Saqi has landed The Queer Arab Glossary, the first published collection of Arabic LGBTQ+ slang, edited by Marwan Kaabour.
Publisher Lynn Gaspard acquired world rights from Samar Hamman at Rocking Chair Books. The "bold guide" will be published in June 2024 with illustrations from Haitham Haddad.
The Queer Arab Glossary contains over 300 terms in English and Arabic alongside "thought-provoking and insightful" essays by queer Arab artists and writers including Rabih Alameddine, Abdellah Taïa, Hamed Sinno and Sophie Chamas, to situate the "ground-breaking" book in a modern social and political context.
Kaabour commented: "A lot is said about or on behalf of the queer Arab community, but they are rarely given the space to speak for themselves, on their own terms. The Queer Arab Glossary places that community front and centre, allowing it to regain control over the narrative of its own history and challenge the singular Western perspective on queerness. I am proud to be able to tell this story, to pay tribute to my queer Arab community and its immense wealth of slang, and to be published by Saqi. This book is a love letter to my community."
Gaspard added: "We are excited to be working with Marwan Kaabour. His contribution in showcasing queer Arab narratives and voices – first through Takweer and now through this book – is inspirational. We are proud to join him in celebrating these voices, and to showcase diverse and creative Arab art, thought and culture in the UK."
