A Message From Our Founder – Bashar Makhay
Salamat Tarab NYCers,
Over two years ago when I sat down with some friends and told them that I wanted to throw a party for all queer people from all over the Middle East and North Africa, little did I know it would become a something so much bigger. Over the past two years we have thrown 16 events, including two beach parties, a bunch of club nights, POC collaborations, and marched in three pride marches.
I have physically, emotionally and financially taken on a lot of the work necessary to build Tarab NYC into what it is today but I want to acknowledge and send appreciation to the people that helped me along the way, including current and previous members of AQC, and especially Haitham Enassr and Hilal Khalil (support them by clicking on their names). Tarab NYC is like a child of mine, I want to see it learn, grow and succeed. While I’d like to think I have been a good parent, there is a lot of truth to the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child”.
With all that being said, I have taken the steps to incorporate Tarab NYC into a community not-for-profit organization in the State of New York and moving forward, I need your held. Over the next month we hope to build a 6-person working leadership board and an associated 6-person advisory board for the organization. Starting next week, we will begin the board recruitment process and begin accepting applications and community nominations. (Women and Trans* individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.)
In the interim, Tarab NYC will be driven by the following mission:
Tarab NYC is formed for the charitable purpose of aiding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Queer (Queer) Middle Eastern and/or North African (MENA) people living in the greater New York City area though community development, support, socialization, education, creative arts, and empowerment by providing such individuals programs and services that address anti-stigma initiatives, alliance and coalition building, socialization programming, educational campaigns, and creative empowerment. Doing so in an inclusive environment free of racism, heterosexism, misogyny, zionism, religionism, ageism & classism.
As always, you can get updates from Tarab NYC via facebook, our website, and by following me, @makhay on twitter. (Tarab NYC will be getting a handle soon, unfortunately @tarabnyc is taken) I really want to thank you again for a wonderful two years and I hope you join me as Tarab NYC writes it’s next Fab Queer Middle Eastern and North African chapter.
Bil Tarab,
Bashar Makhay
Founder and Organizer – Tarab NYC