How Berlin's Arab Queers Are Building Their 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 honoring iconic figures from the Eastern Mediterranean. Through her work, Hassandra emphasizes the importance of integrating her Lebanese-Arab identity and critiques the idealization of pop divas, advocating for a nuanced understanding of their complexities. ADIRA also addresses issues of racism and homophobia, especially in light of recent violence against the queer community. Hassandra aims to create a supportive environment for queer Arabs in Germany, promoting inclusivity and belonging.