To many, the Middle East is a tantalizing mix of danger and desire. To a gay travel writer it’s an adventure to a world where same-sex affection blurs in the sand.
Today, Michael Luongo joins us to talk about his book tour through the Middle East to promote “Gay Travels in the Muslim World” a collection of true stories of men sexually attracted to other men in places like Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s the first gay American book ever translated into Arabic and was the first gay themed book ever presented at an Arabic language book fair.
Listen as Michael shares with us his how his controversial book got translated into Arabic, the difficulty of being in one of the world’s largest book fairs and why it was so hard to do a reading in Israel.
Michael also shares with us some safety issues for Westerners when traveling to the Middle East, his experience meeting Queen Rania of Jordan and why some men fetishize Middle Easterners.
Plus a heart-wrenching letter from a Muslim listener who left an abusive environment in Tajikistan to live as an openly gay man in America.
And what you can do to help gay refugees from the Middle East- International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights Watch.
Read more about Michael’s travels on the Huffington Post.
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2 Comments
Comments
We went to Egypt last summer as part of Atlantis. We were obviously gay but we tamed it down and respected their culture. We had armed security in our buses.
Awww i was expecting a song by Israeli singer Ivri Lider at the end. I luv his english tracks.
I love him as well, too!
Great Show!!! Very educational. Dancing in a club while bombs are going off, that’s pretty wild.
I am glad you had Michael Luongo on the show again and to hear another update about his book and his travels. I never would have guessed his book would be presented at a Arabic language book fair. Good for him!
I bought it last year when I saw at the local gay book store and remembered the two shows where you highly recommended the book. Thank you for that! It is really informative and well-written.
I also agree with Michael that you cannot force these countries to change and adopt our way of living. The change has to come from within the country itself. Even if it takes time but sometimes you have to patient.
I think this it the fashion forward “Modesty wear” for the modern women, that you sis was mentioning Fausto – http://current.com/items/89001365_islamic-fashionista.htm
Really glad to hear Michael return to the show. I was positively riveted the first time and again this visit. There is something very intriguing about the Middle East and Arab world. Really cool to get Michael’s take on his visibility and its effect on residents of the areas he’s visited. Fascinating stuff.