Drags, Divas and Identity: How Hassandra is Building Berlin's Arab Queer Community

Hassandra, a prominent voice in Berlin's queer Arab art scene, co-founded the ADIRA Drag Festival to foster community and dialogue. The festival celebrates queer Arab culture and features performances that pay tribute to iconic figures from the Eastern Mediterranean. Through her work, Hassandra emphasizes the importance of embracing her Lebanese-Arab identity while critically engaging with the complexities of pop culture icons like Elissa. ADIRA aims to create a supportive space for queer Arabs amidst rising Islamophobia and homophobia, especially following a tragic terrorist attack in Berlin. Hassandra advocates for unity and resilience within the community, promoting a message of inclusivity and safety for all.