Researcher - Explaining SOGIESC

The purpose of this initiative is to fill in knowledge gaps on sex, gender, sexuality, sexual orientation,
gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation among others and to elucidate their
particularities while also exposing newcomers to the field to dome foundational theories such as
gender performativity theory, queer theory, and others. The initiative is designed to equip individuals with information to debunk harmful misconceptions and explain  the many complexities that surround human sexuality and SOGIESC.

Desired Outcome: The purpose of this project is to provide users with epistemic information on gender, and sexuality at a click of a button. It

seeks to create an exhaustive list of Questions to the most popular inquiries, pervasive

mythologies, and hidden truths and facts and provide answers to them in an accessible abridged,

but thoroughly researched and cited format. The Q& A segment would concentrate on elucidating

concepts related to human sexuality and SOGIESC, as well as major theories and frameworks, in

order to consolidate and present information otherwise difficult to obtain.

The gathered information will be presented in a user-friendly and accessible platform which will serve as a reference for

users to access freely in Arabic and English languages. By surfing Helem’s digital search engine

platform, users will be able to instantly gain access to an archive of information via a simple and

informative web directory. Users will be able to explore answers about diverse sexual and gender

minorities in the Arab region within multiple Q&A formats.

Key Concepts: Sexuality; Arab queer history; identity and belonging; cultural, societal, and legal

understandings of gender; Politics; Arab queer terminologies; discrimination, stigma, and fear.

Deliverables:

● Lead focus group discussions (FGDs) with members of the LGBTQ+ community to be done

in person and/or online.

● Organize interviews with experts and specialists in the relevant fields to be done in person

and/or online.

● Conduct research on specific LGBTQ-related topics and gather references for materials as

well as guidance on how to answer questions.

● Provide complete and comprehensive addendum contents and further reading for each

question and sub-category/subject.

● Provide a clear and comprehensive topic description of each sub-category to be utilized in

promotional material.

● Convert gathered information and materials into clear, and comprehensive responses.

● Create a digitized database of information including questions, answers, categories, and

references.

● Accompany a graphic designer in the creation of all audio-visual material for the digital

web directory platform.

● Ensure all aforementioned information is correctly translated into Arabic/English through

a meticulous review of all translations.