Berlin's Arab Queers Unite

Berlin's Arab queer community is building itself through events and club nights, including the ADIRA Drag Festival, which recently held its third edition in late October. The festival's theme, 'Who's Your Diva?!', brought together drag performers paying tribute to legendary figures from the Eastern Mediterranean.

The ADIRA Drag Festival featured performances inspired by iconic figures such as Umm Kulthum, Bülent Ersoy, and Haifa Wehbe. Hassandra, co-founder of ADIRA and the ADIRA Drag Festival, performed at the event, taking on the persona of Lebanese pop star Elissa. Elissa has publicly voiced support for LGBTQ+ communities in the Middle East and has sparked controversy across the Arab world with her outspoken positions on political issues.

The ADIRA Drag Festival is part of a broader effort by the ADIRA collective to celebrate the diversity of queer Arab culture. The collective curates events and club nights that bring together people from diverse identities and roots in Southwest Asia and North Africa.

## What it means The ADIRA Drag Festival and other events like it are important for building a sense of community and visibility for Arab queers in Berlin. By celebrating queer Arab culture and paying tribute to legendary figures, the festival provides a platform for self-expression and connection. The event also highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity, showcasing the richness and complexity of queer Arab culture.

The festival's theme, 'Who's Your Diva?!', is a nod to the powerful and accomplished individuals who have become queer icons in the Eastern Mediterranean. By embracing these figures and their legacies, the ADIRA Drag Festival is helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community for Arab queers in Berlin.

## Why it matters The ADIRA Drag Festival is not just a celebration of queer Arab culture, but also a statement of resilience and defiance. In a world where LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination and marginalization, the festival provides a safe space for self-expression and connection. By showcasing the diversity and complexity of queer Arab culture, the festival is helping to challenge stereotypes and build bridges between different communities.

The festival's impact extends beyond the Arab queer community in Berlin, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and diversity in building stronger, more vibrant communities. As a celebration of queer Arab culture, the ADIRA Drag Festival is an important reminder of the power of self-expression and the importance of creating spaces for marginalized communities to thrive.