Homosexuality in Morocco exists only in novels
Article by Julie Chaudier published on the Yabiladi (Morocco) website on October 2, 2014, freely translated by Marco Galvagno
Morocco voted against the resolution for the recognition of the rights of homosexuals by the UN on 27 September. A news that only met indifference from Moroccan personalities and intellectuals, divided between the fear of being derissed and latent homophobia.
Those who take publication publicly to defend their rights are rare. On 27 September Morocco voted against the resolution of the Council of Human Rights which integrates gay, lesbian and transgender rights in human rights, in accordance with its national laws and general indifference.
In Morocco, contrary to Europe and France, in which the theme of marriage for everyone has aroused unripe battles, homosexuality and gay rights do not arouse debates. There are few Moroccan intellectuals and intellectuals pronounce on this issue.
“Defending gay rights means risking being treated by gay, that is, insulted (according to the still dominant patriarchal logic). Defending the homosexual cause means running the risk of being put aside in the political or academic career "explains Abdessamad Dialmy, sociologist of the gender difference and sexuality in Morocco.
Ibtissam Betty Lachgar, a militant for LGBT rights within the alternative movement for individual freedoms (Mali), says that when he urged artistic personalities and writers for an exhibition in 2013 he received many significant waste. "An actress told me he should have talked about it to his agent, and since he never returned, I deduced that he didn't want to."
Jean Zaganiaris, professor of sociology at the Ege [School of Government and Economy Ndc] of Rabat, makes another analysis on sexuality in Moroccan literature: "I think that if there are no intellectuals who have to modulate themselves for this cause, it is not for the real and symbolic risks of such a stance but rather because many remain indifferent regarding this theme, even their way of thinking is not completely exempt from traces.
When I dealt with the theme at the Faculty of Law of Agdal in Rabat, most of my audience considered me with courteous indifference ". However, several voices made themselves heard on the occasion of the world days against homophobia, and above all in literary environments.
Various intellectuals last May, including Ahmed Assad, Amazigh militant [that is Berber Ndc], Abdellah Baida, writer, and Abdessamad Dialmy participated in a video made by Aswat, the only Moroccan association that brings together homosexuals, to request the abrogation of article 490 of the criminal code that incriminates homosexuals.
The alternative movement for individual freedoms (Mali), in an exhibition organized at the Dutch Cultural Institute in Rabat, had managed to mobilize various personalities, including the young writer Hicham Tahir, author of "Jaabouk", naive spady, feminist militant, dramaturga and director, Fatym Layachi actress of Grido.
Each time, except Abdessamad Dialmy, who wrote "Jeunesse, Sida et Islam" (Youth, Aids and Islam), writers gave their support only at the invitation of militant movements. In Morocco only the authors of novels are spontaneously expressed on homosexuality, and thus making them indirectly for recognition, if not of the rights of homosexuals, at least for their existence within the social space.
In recent years the two main literary awards, Grand Atlas and Mamounia, have rewarded homosexual writers or in any case that deal with homosexuality. In 2011 "Le Dernier Combat Du Capitain n'amat" (the last fight of Captain N'amat) by Mohamed Lefth received the Mamounia prize on a post -mood. "It tells the relationship that the captain has with his servant" recalls Abdellah Baida, author of "Le Dernier Salto" (the last jump) and a great friend of Mohamed Lefth.
In 2013, two years later, Rachid or, homosexual Moroccan writer who lives in France remained until then anonymous, also received the Mamounia literary prize for his novel "Analphabètes" (illiterate), before them Abdellah Taia had already told his homosexuality in his works and was successful.
Original text: Homosexualité au maroc: a non-nojet Sauf en Littérature
