Meem (in Arabic م ) is a Lebanese LBTQ women's group that was founded in August 2007, the first ever lesbian organization established in the Arab World. The full name is مجموعة مؤازرة للمرأة المثليّة, pronounced /Majmou3at Mou'azara lil Mar’a al-Mithliya/ (translated as Support Group for Lesbian Women). The name "Meem" is derived from the Arabic letter م (the letter m, which is called "meem"). The letter "meem" as an initial for the word lesbian (in Arabic مثليّة pronounced /mithliya/) also symbolizes the anonymity of lesbians in the Arab world.[citation needed]
Meem was partially formed through mutual inspiration via the Lebanese LGBT organization Helem, though with focus on a comparatively less visible political strategy and a flatter organizational structure than Helem.[1]
Aims
The group offers community support, psychological counseling, an activity center, legal support, social events, and the opportunity to work on social change.[2] Meem also hosts a Womyn House that serves as an activity and resource center in Beirut.[citation needed]
The goal of Meem is to create a safe space in Lebanon where lesbians can meet, talk, discuss issues, share experiences, and work on improving their lives and themselves.[citation needed]
Membership
Membership in Meem is restricted only to LBTQ women who are Lebanese (anywhere in the world) or living in Lebanon (of any nationality).[citation needed]
Publications
In 2009, Meem published "Bareed Mista3jil." Available in both English and Arabic versions, the book is a collection of 41 true and personal stories from lesbians, bisexuals, queer and questioning women, and transgender persons from all over Lebanon.[3]
