In Their Own Words: Exploring the Language of Queer Women in Lebanon

Abstract

In the field of language and sexuality, research has predominantly focused on heterosexual language, overlooking the nuances of queer language. The limited research that does exist on homosexual women perpetuates a Eurocentric perspective that largely disregards Arabic speaking queer women. To this end, this study shifts attention to Arabic-speaking queer women in Lebanon, investigating how they use language to assert their identities amidst homophobia and anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. Through structured one-on-one interviews with fifteen participants, this research explores linguistic socialization, the impact of linguistic connotations on queer women’s self-perception, the challenges of communicating queerness in the Arabic language, the strategies for self-expression and identity affirmation, and the process of coming out within Arab contexts. In addition to contributing to the existing literature on language, identity, and sexuality, this study aims to empower queer Arabic speaking women, raise awareness to the linguistic challenges they face, and inform language policies and educational initiatives aimed at recognizing the importance of inclusive and affirmative language in Lebanon.