Outi

I would put that a little bit differently. Homophobia as you know is a big issue in Egypt and other Arab countries. And that's a big part for negative attitude towards male belly dancers. I agree totally with you Tarik. I think is more to do with fear and religious views.

This male/female thing is something more complex. Male is the head of the house and have more freedom than a female. But being inferior - not really. The lifestyles of the different sexes are just so different and apart from each others and Egyptians are happy that way. Egyptians respect strong women. And mother is most important person of their life, husband or wife included.


Caroline, you made good point about authorities not knowing how to handle this new situation with male belly dancers. It could be big reason of these new laws. Especially as during the last two years Tito has gained a lot of reputation in belly dance world - not so much in Egypt but among dancers. I mean most Egyptians haven't even heard of Randa.

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Caroline_afifi

Caroline, you made good point about authorities not knowing how to handle this new situation with male belly dancers. It could be big reason of these new laws. Especially as during the last two years Tito has gained a lot of reputation in belly dance world - not so much in Egypt but among dancers. I mean most Egyptians haven't even heard of Randa.[/quote]

Yes but most have never heard of Randa. You will be surprised about Tito.
I have been surprised at how well know he is becoming amongst Middle class people in Cairo.
Because he is performing in Alf Leila, a lot of Egyptian families who holiday in Sharm get to see him, so in someways, he is more accessible without anyone deliberately going on a boat or a club to see a belly dancer.

There was actually a big case a few years back (about 7 or maybe 8 years ago) where a static boat close to the Marriot hotel was raided by the Police for being a 'gay club'. It was somewhere that was known as a gay meeting place but it gained momentum and therefore was seen as a problem. It was a big case that was covered by the media for a long time.
There is something in Egyptian culture that is like, most things are OK as long as it is not obvious and does not bother anyone. If you try to get it 'out in the open' there will be resistance.
I think that is what you mean by understanding the workings of the culture perhaps?

Reen.Blom

Is it all not about homophobia? As article said'some even dance under female names'.... suppose to them male belly dancer=gay=immoral....

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Caroline_afifi

Yes but most have never heard of Randa. You will be surprised about Tito.
I have been surprised at how well know he is becoming amongst Middle class people in Cairo.
Because he is performing in Alf Leila, a lot of Egyptian families who holiday in Sharm get to see him, so in someways, he is more accessible without anyone deliberately going on a boat or a club to see a belly dancer.

There was actually a big case a few years back (about 7 or maybe 8 years ago) where a static boat close to the Marriot hotel was raided by the Police for being a 'gay club'. It was somewhere that was known as a gay meeting place but it gained momentum and therefore was seen as a problem. It was a big case that was covered by the media for a long time.
There is something in Egyptian culture that is like, most things are OK as long as it is not obvious and does not bother anyone. If you try to get it 'out in the open' there will be resistance.
I think that is what you mean by understanding the workings of the culture perhaps?[/quote]


Sorry, I messed up Outi's post here so please see her original to get what she really said!

Tarik Sultan

The only professions where men seem to have avoided scorn are chefs. Hairdressers are still regarded as sissies as are choreographers. Ironically, I think in the case of choreographers, I think it could be a combination of things. For one, the limited visibility and acceptance of male dancers means they have no outlet except for instruction, so I guess they put everything into it. I don't know why they get more attention in the media.... except for a twisted play of sexism. The fact that they are men means the male establishment gives them more attention? Or is it that less women become choreographers because they have more performance options? I really can't say for sure.

Suheir

17 May was International Day Against Homophobia: International Day Against Homophobia - Welcome to www.homophobiaday.org

I doubt it was celebrated publically in Egypt...

Dipali

deleted............

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Dipali

No , I dont think so. All the poor Da(a)vid probably dont know what homophobia means.

This is not exclusively an Egyptian problem but I have found all over the middle east/South Asia homosexuality is a taboo as long as you show it off, If you up for some secret masti or fun that’s ok as long as you are still married to a women. Personally I know only one Egyptian person who is not a gay man but married to my Norwegian male friend to get his Norwegian citizenship.

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Caroline_afifi

Are you serious?

cathy

On the subject of homophobia --or rather gay life in Muslim countries--I just read a review of A Jihad for Love, a documentary film by Parvez Sharma. He interviews gay and lesbian Muslims in northern India (where he is from), Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt and South Africa, including an openly gay imam in South Africa, a group of Iranian men waiting for asylum in Turkey, and a lesbian couple, one Moroccan and the other Egyptian, who carry on a secet love affair. Addresses strongly why people continue to embrace a faith that rejects them--or at least their sexuality. He says "You can't subtract the Muslim part of your identity when it defines your family, your friends, how you dress, what you eat. You can't just cut off that one thing. Through this film I learned that profoundly."

Cathy