Appendix: Lebanon's LGBTIQ+ Activism: Between Global Representation and Neoliberalism

Beirut is often touted as being a refuge for LGBTIQ+ individuals from the Southwest Asia and North Africa. With its LGBTIQ+ nightlife, queer-friendly cafes, political organizing, and ‘queer’ economy, Beirut does provide respite and a promise of progressive development. However, LGBTIQ+ life in Beirut continues to have its difficulties and the complex dynamics of Lebanon’s economy and politics are intimately felt by queer-identifying individuals. This article critically examines how, what is often touted as, progress for LGBTIQ+ groups and people can produce economic and political alienation among queer-identifying individuals. It examines top-down approaches of NGO-ized organising and development, issues of self-representation, and neo-liberal solutions to crisis induced deprivation by using a queer Marxist approach. The article finds that in these three areas, barriers to equity, inclusion, and progress are maintained, ultimately harming LGBTIQ+ groups and people.