This Queer Arab Family celebrates the beauty of chosen kin and the everyday acts of care and survival that bind Queer Arabs to each other. Here, ten LGBTQ+ writers from across the Arab world and diaspora redefine what family looks like. From raising children with mum and mum, to becoming an OnlyFans star and building a non-binary belly dancing robot, these writers illuminate, through their own lived experiences, how queer joy and community can be found in the most unexpected places.
Fierce, vibrant and unapologetic, This Queer Arab Family honours the spirit of those who, despite challenges, build community and family on their own terms.
Celebrate the Power of Chosen Family with This Queer Arab Family
Join us at Bard Books on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, for a special evening of stories, connection, and community as we launch the much-anticipated anthology, This Queer Arab Family. To celebrate, Bard Books will be hosting a Queer Open Mic Night featuring readings from queer writers across the city. Expect moving prose, powerful poetry, and joyful storytelling.
This Queer Arab Family honours the magic of queer kinship and the life-affirming communities we build when traditional family ties fall short. It's a celebration of love, resilience, and the families we create for ourselves.
Early copies of This Queer Arab Family will be available for purchase on the night, and we’ll hear from editor Elias Jahshan, who will share insights into curating this powerful collection as well as contributors Abu Leila and Nahid Toubia.
Want to read at the open mic?We have 8 open slots available for queer writers to share a short extract of poetry or prose (up to 5 minutes). Whether you're a seasoned performer or this is your first time behind the mic, we’d love to hear from you - especially if your work explores themes of kinship, chosen family, community, or love. To apply for one of our open-mic spots, please email us on hello@wearebardbooks.co.uk with a max 3 sentence intro to your work!
Tickets are £5, which will be redeemable against a purchase of This Queer Arab Family on the night.
Come for the stories, stay for the community. We can’t wait to see you there.
