Last year, Egyptian public opinion was dealt two major blows, triggering a vigorous debate on social and mainstream media. The first being when Dalia Al-Faghal, a self-identified lesbian came out on social media, sparking waves of criticism and demonization. The second was when two rainbow flags, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, were raised by attendees at a Mashrou’ Leila concert. While the public reaction to both incidents was negative, the incidents did not evoke the same response in terms of state action, as well as public outrage. Gay men bore a more vicious, heavy-handed response from both the state and the media, overshadowing the narrative around lesbians. Dalia’s public statement shed light on the obstacles gay women face in Egypt and more importantly: how many more Dalias does Egypt have? “I am afraid to love” Hana,* a 19-year-old from Alexandria, spoke to Egyptian Streets about life as a gay woman. “I am afraid to love. While love is supposed to be this peaceful feeling, I’m afraid to feel it because of the many awful things that could happen to me and anyone close to me,’’ says Hana. Hana realized…
