Who are we?

Over the last few years, we have grown in strength and numbers, evolving from a local and service-oriented organization into a national, community-based and grassroots organization that works with LGBTQ Palestinians throughout Israel and the Palestinian occupied territories.

 

Today more than ever, a growing number of Palestinians claim their sexual orientation and gender identity and identify themselves as LGBTQ persons. Although it is growing fast, the LGBTQ Palestinian community is still in its early stages. Our understanding of this crucial stage in the development of our community shapes our daily work, our long-term planning and our overall vision.

 

Our constituency includes people of all ages, with regular participants ranging from 16 to 50 years old. Palestinians of all religions (Muslim, Christian and Druze), classes, educational and social backgrounds and from different geographical areas attend our activities and meetings and are active in our organization. Al-Qaws works with--not for--the LQBTQ community and promotes an open structured dialogue in the community, providing a forum for all our members to express their ideas and concerns, have their voices heard, and most importantly, have their needs met.