April is Arab Heritage Month. In celebration, a group of queer Middle Eastern people is showing off some skin and sexiness in the fight for greater representation.
The above photo, titled "Faces of the Middle East," demonstrates this spirit with models Omar Sharif Jr. (@omarsharifjr), Zak Zakar (@zakartwins), Kenny (@theyoungdadd), Amrou Al-Kadhi (@glamrou), and Michael Zakar (@zakartwins). It was photographed by @james.has.friends.
Below, see more powerful photos advocating for greater visibility.
@jesusxvix
“I think there’s a huge issue with representation for Arab-Americans in media if all we realistically have is Aladdin. We need more people like us in entertainment to show our community that queer Arab-Americans exist and can thrive!” - Michael Zakar
@chantar
“We need more Middle Eastern representation. The world has no idea what it looks or means to be a Middle Eastern man in modern-day America.” -Zak Zakar
“I came out publicly in the Middle East to bring visibility to an often invisible community, forced to hide in fear of persecution. It’s time we had our faces and voices broadcast more broadly; it’s time we no longer remain faceless” - Omar Sharif Jr.
@dylan.d.thai
“As a Turkish/Armenian I can say that the Middle East has taught me to be brave in life and never give in, I am proud of it!” -Zane
“Middle Eastern representation represents freedom first of all.” - Kenny
@harryecarr
“Representation means seeing examples of hope in a world that often feels hopeless.” -Amrou
