At Tarab NYC, we regularly get dozens of inquiries from newly transplanted New Yorkers and tourists about where they should go to meet other Queer & Trans Middle Eastern & North African (or SWANA if you prefer) people in NYC. So we created this guide, listing the Arab, Persian, Turkish and other MENA spots we recommend, as well as recommendations sourced from our community. If we don’t mention that its specifically queer, that means it is queer friendly. If you want to add something to the list – send us a message and we will try to include it in the next update. The guide is maintained by @fursafarfasha.

Well we could not start this guide without tooting our own horn. We do a lot of stuff at Tarab NYC – support groups, happy hours, potlucks, drag shows, movie nights, beach gatherings, and lots of collaborations. No matter what we do, we try our best to stay true to our mission of fostering an inclusive and safe community of LGBTQ & GNC Arab, Middle Eastern, and/or North African people in the greater NYC area. Join our mailing list for the latest updates, follow us on Instagram, and join one of our planning meetings to get involved.

SWANA Parties

Laylit throws parties in NYC (as well as other cities) a few times a year. Laylit, a collective that celebrates music from the Arab region and its diaspora. Its founders include plus MNSA from Montreal, Nadim from Montreal, & Saphe from NYC. Over the last five years, Laylit’s has become a staple of NYC nightlife that has always been explicitly inclusive of LGBTQ people. When attending, expect a very large (1K+) diverse crowd dancing to a wide range of Arabic music, blending traditional sounds with pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. Follow Laylit on Instagram

Haus of Dahab is a Queer Egyptian cabaret and dance party based in NYC, designed to celebrate SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) culture through music, performance, and vibrant community gatherings. Centered around QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) inclusivity, its events showcase live music, belly dancing, drag performances, and DJ sets that mix nostalgic and contemporary beats. Known for its electric energy and commitment to cultural pride, Haus of Dahab creates a space for joyful expression and connection within the diaspora. Follow Haus of Dahab on Instagram for updates and upcoming events.

Haza was created in 2019 by DJs Myyuh and Carmen Sandiego as an Arab and Afrobeats party for community to gather in dance and honest expression. Haza has since evolved to become an established, New York Times acclaimed dance party and radio show that showcases Arab, Asian, and Pan-African music from the diasporas and beyond. Every event revolves around a particular theme, spotlighting dancers, DJs, as well as live musicians from the local and global community. Follow Haza on Instagram

Disco Tehran is a multicultural dance party and live performance series inspired by the 1970s cosmopolitan nightlife of Tehran. Founded in NYC, it quickly gained global attention for its vibrant events, which feature a mix of Iranian pop, funk, and rare grooves alongside music from Latin America, Africa, and Europe. Beyond the dance floor, Disco Tehran fosters cultural exchange and storytelling through projects like the Stories of Migration zine and mixtape, spotlighting immigration narratives and global connections. Known for its joyous energy and diverse community, Disco Tehran invites audiences to celebrate culture and resilience through music and art. Follow them on Instagram for updates

No Nazar, founded in Los Angeles in 2020, is a global music collective and party series that creates inclusive, judgment-free spaces celebrating cultural diversity and connection. With a focus on South Asian, Arab, and Afrobeat sounds, No Nazar highlights underrepresented music and fosters community through dance, art, and solidarity. Beyond its events, the collective actively supports social justice causes, including Palestinian liberation and disaster relief efforts, blending cultural celebration with activism. Not specifically queer, but very queer. Follow No Nazar on Instagram for updates​

Businesses

Bluestockings is a collectively owned feminist bookstore, fair trade café, and activist center in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Founded in 1999, it offers a curated collection of over 6,000 titles focusing on feminism, queer and gender studies, global capitalism, Black liberation, and more. Beyond books, Bluestockings sells zines, journals, and sustainable products while hosting workshops, readings, and performances to empower its community. Operated by volunteers, it stands as a hub for education, activism, and mutual support. Learn more on the Bluestockings website or follow them on Instagram

Barzakh Café is a vibrant intellectual café and bookstore located at 147 Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. This community-centered space is inspired by Middle Eastern and North African culture, offering an array of books, delicious food, and specialty beverages. With a focus on fostering cultural exchange and community connection, Barzakh frequently hosts events like live music, Sufi Qawwali nights, and art showcases, often tied to themes of solidarity and resistance. The café’s cozy indoor and outdoor spaces provide an inviting atmosphere for relaxation, conversation, and cultural exploration. Learn more by visiting their Instagram.

Storm Bookstore is an independent bookstore and community-focused event space in New York City. It specializes in art and design publications, children’s books, and poetry, with a distinct focus on ecological practices and works by artists, curators, and designers from the SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) region. Beyond its curated selection, Storm promotes cultural engagement through artist-led workshops and programs that spark conversations and collaborations, serving as a vibrant hub for creative and intellectual exchange. Learn more on Storm Bookstore’s website.

Arts & Culture

Funoon is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit performing arts presenter dedicated to showcasing Arab cultural exchange in NYC and beyond. Located in Greenpoint, it offers a welcoming venue for music, dance, and theatrical performances, blending traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern art forms. Funoon also serves as a bridge between American and Arab audiences, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. Learn more on Funoon’s website

The Habibi Festival is an annual NYC event celebrating music and culture from the SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) region. Featuring a rich lineup of local and international artists, it highlights diverse artistic expressions, from traditional folk to modern fusion. This festival fosters connection, joy, and an appreciation of SWANA heritage. Explore the festival’s offerings at their official site.

Started in NYC, now Afikra is a global platform designed to cultivate intellectual curiosity about Arab culture, history, and thought. Through engaging talks, interviews, and community gatherings, it provides a space for storytelling and collaborative learning. Its events empower participants to explore Arab heritage in a modern context, connecting people across borders and generations. Get involved at Afikra’s website.

NewFest: The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival frequently highlights works by Middle Eastern and Arab filmmakers, as well as films in Arabic and other regional languages. Films like “A Jihad for Love,” a groundbreaking documentary exploring queer Muslim experiences, and “The Blue Caftan,” a Moroccan tale of love and identity, showcase the festival’s dedication to amplifying global voices. By including these unique perspectives, NewFest fosters understanding and celebrates the diversity of queer cinema worldwide. Learn more on NewFest’s website and follow them on Instagram.

This curatorial initiative champions contemporary art from the SWANA region and its diasporas, promoting cultural dialogue and innovative artistic practices. By organizing exhibitions, collaborations, and publications, Atamian Hovsepian creates platforms for underrepresented artists to share their stories. Find out more on their website.

Allied Queer & Trans Communities of Color

We have always been welcome to attend all of their events unless stated otherwise.

SALGA, the South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association of NYC, has been a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ advocacy in the South Asian community for over three decades. They focus on fostering cultural visibility, promoting tolerance, and supporting intergenerational connections while working on issues like immigration and health justice. Learn more via Instagram.

Yuva is a vibrant queer Bollywood dance party celebrating South Asian culture and community. Known for its high-energy events, it features dazzling drag performances by the likes of Malai and DJ sets by artists like Dynamite. The events often center on creative themes, blending Bollywood glam with NYC’s queer nightlife scene. For more details, follow them on Instagram​

Sholay Productions is a legendary LGBTQ+ South Asian entertainment group known for creating iconic events like Desilicious, a Bollywood dance party. They bring together vibrant music, dazzling performances, and a welcoming space for Queer South Asians and allies. Check them out on Instagram.

Bollywood Disco, organized by the legendary DJ Rekha, is a high-energy dance party that fuses classic Bollywood hits with disco grooves, creating an inclusive and vibrant space for all. Known for their Bhangra and South Asian sounds, DJ Rekha curates this event to celebrate music, culture, and community. Also check out Basement Bhangra, another DJ Rekha creation.

KARVAAN NYC is a queer and femme community based organization dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the South Asian diaspora through art, music, film, and storytelling. Their past events include highlights such as the “Eid x Pride Mehfil” headlined by Pakistan’s groundbreaking transgender actor Alina Khan, an evening of live ghazal music, a drag brunch honoring Bollywood icon Rekha, live sitar and kathak performances by queer artists, and community movie screenings. For updates on upcoming events and more information, follow them on Instagram.

GAPIMNY, Founded in 1990, empowers queer and trans Asian Pacific Islanders through advocacy, educational programs, and social events. It fosters dialogue around race, sexuality, and health, while collaborating with other organizations to drive positive change. GAPIMNY remains a critical space for community support and activism. Learn more on their website and follow them on Instagram.

Q-Wave is dedicated to building community among LBTQ women, trans men, & gender non-conforming/non-binary/trans folks of API descent. It offers safe spaces, resources, and events that celebrate identities while addressing challenges faced by Asian queer individuals. For more, visit their Instagram.

Bubble_T is a nightlife and cultural collective celebrating the creativity and diversity of queer Asians and their allies. Known for vibrant parties blending art, music, and community, it’s a hub for joy and representation. Stay updated via their Instagram.

Caribbean Equality Project uplifts and advocates for Afro and Indo-Caribbean LGBTQ+ individuals in New York City. Through community organizing, cultural programming, and public education, CEP addresses issues of racial justice, gender equity, and immigrant rights while fostering safe, inclusive spaces for the Caribbean diaspora. As the only organization of its kind in NYC, CEP builds solidarity and empowers voices to combat discrimination and hate violence. Learn more about their work on their website and follow them on Instagram.

Papi Juice, since 2013, has been a revolutionary collective and event series centering queer and trans people of color. Their monthly parties feature global sounds, from Brazilian funk to classic R&B, at venues like Elsewhere in Brooklyn, alongside performances by renowned artists such as Princess Nokia and Juliana Huxtable. Their mission goes beyond nightlife, fostering community and cultural celebration throughout NYC. Learn more on their Instagram​.​

Whorechata: A celebration of queer Latinx culture, Whorechata blends dynamic DJ sets with drag and burlesque performances. It creates an inclusive space for self-expression, cultural pride, and vibrant dance parties. Check out their latest events on Instagram.

Caótica is a dynamic event series and collective rooted in global queer artistry, Caótica showcases DJs and performers who elevate diasporic music and culture. It emphasizes community-building and cultural appreciation in an intoxicating atmosphere. Follow them on Instagram.

Final Thoughts

We hope we didn’t miss any other groups! Our next guide will cover other resources like legal services, advocacy, health care, etc.