Bashar

Surprise! Tarab NYC was honored by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams at the Arab American Heritage Celebration on April 4th. That’s the same honor that our founder Bashar Makhay received in 2017, where his LGBTQ work and identity was intentionally concealed by the MC. This year we were happy to be recognized as a proud LGBTQ Arab & MENA organization, despite the complicated history and the politics of the office. While we were concerned our identity as an organization would be concealed – we proudly disrupted the space and for at least one evening, queered up Brooklyn Borough Hall and the entire Arab American Heritage Celebration. We invite all the sponsoring organizations including AAFSC, AANY, and Salaam Club NY to seriously and visibly address homophobia and transphobia.

Watch the video below!

Lets Celebrate SEVEN Years of Tarab NYC with Hishik Bishik: A Queer Middle Eastern and North African Drag Revue. On Friday, May 3rd, 6PM – 11PM, join Tarab NYC for a special Hishik Bishik at The Monster in the West Village! Join us as we celebrate seven years of dance parties, mixers, picnics, community discussions, support groups, stories, dance classes, film screenings, beach parties, protests, workshops, QPOC collaborations, and so much more. GET TICKETS! Want to help us? Still need a couple more volunters – email Bashar for more information.

Planning for Pride Month
Believe it or not – we are already planning for Pride Month! Well the truth is – we have been planning since last year! Queens Pride, Brooklyn Pride, NYC Pride, TDOA, & Dyke March – we are doing it all!

To help plan all this – we are hosting organizing committee meetings on May 8th 8:00PM, May 25 1:00PM, June 5 7:00PM & June 22 at 12:00PM – more details to follow – if you want to help us organize – please contact Bashar 

Our Stories – Now Collecting
Tarab NYC is still collecting the stories, experiences, and narratives of our incredible Queer MENA community. We plan to share these stories on our website so that community members and others can learn about our experiences on our terms. Follow the link to find out how to submit your ideas and read a couple of our contributions. Read More!

LGBTQ Community Iftar
Break fast with an Iftar dinner during the holy month of Ramadan, hosted at The Center in partnership with Tarab NYC and other organizations serving the LGBTQ Muslim community. A prayer room will be available. This facility is wheelchair accessible. Registration is free – opens on May 6th! Learn More!

Outside of TarabNYC

_{From time to time, Tarab NYC is asked by third parties to share notices with the community. As a volunteer run organization we are unable to completely vet if these individuals and organizations are in full alignment with our mission and values. However, we thought you may find them interesting and are including them below.}

Yallaversary – This Saturday
Our friends at Yalla! are hosting their anniversary on Saturday, April 27th at The Deep End in Brooklyn. Yalla! is run by Assia Lakhif – its a “queer monthly celebration connecting North African, Arab & Middle Eastern friends, fam + boos in NY.” Check them out on Instagram!

Tomorrow: Hishik Bishik – A Middle Eastern and North African Drag Revue!

Come one come all, we’re back back BACK again, baby! And this time at an all new location right in the heart of gay ole’ Williamsburg – Shimmy the night away at MACRI PARK on Saturday, March 2nd from 6-10PM! With Happy Hour specials and performances you cannot miss, do you really wanna be anywhere else on a Saturday evening? Tickets are free for members in advance, $5 in advance for everyone else and $10 at the door! Want to help us? Still need a couple more volunters – email Reem for more information. Get your tickets now!