Maisa J. a TV host, known for her bold statements and strong opinions, a feminist and a humanitarian who thrives for equal rights.
A lot of questions and a lot of feelings, in a place where human rights are difficult to be fulfilled, what do Libyan public figures have to say about the LGBTQ+ rights in Libya.
Kun Libya interviewed Maisa J. who talked about personal opinion and feelings towards the Libyan LGBTQ+ community and what she has to say about societies that reject difference. Here is what Maisa J. had to say:
She begins her interview saying, that she has been trying to help someone who asked for Maisa J.’s help about the persecution they’re facing in Libya for being gay, the victim is being threatened and been living under stress for a long while, and her age and her family’s background doesn’t allow her to just pack her bags and leave. To live in a constant circle of fear is what it’s like to be an LGBTQ+ in Libya.
What do you know about the LGBTQ+ community in Libya ?
The truth is, I don’t know much, because I believe in Libya they’re very discreet, and for them to be comfortable to come out to you, it takes a long time, I do have friends within the LGBTQ+ community, most of them came out to be when they have faced safety problems, they see that I’m an activist for human rights and they always expect that I can help them, the problem is, as much as I am supportive for them, sometimes I just don’t know what is the best way to help. She also mentioned the fact that the LGBTQ+ community in Libya are very district and how close minded the society is, also makes it harder for the community itself to provide the support each one of them needs.
Have you ever met any person within the LGBTQ+ community in Libya ? If so, how did that make you feel?
Of course I did, to be honest, I didn’t feel anything, but the question that always runs in my mind is, how do they face their daily life in a society like Libya, you could say the way I grew up in Libya could have affect my views about it, but I believe I’ve always believed they were born this way, even when this subject is opened around my family, I always show my support by saying its not our business and its their life and that they deserve rights just like anyone else does.
Are you with the LGBTQ+ rights in Libya? If yes, how would you show your support?
My answer would be yes, and to answer how can I show my support, is the difficult question. I don’t believe I’ll get a chance to do it in the public Libyan channels, but I believe I’d advocate and spread awareness as much as possible.
As a media person known for your bold statements, have you ever discussed the LGBTQ+ subject in public?
To be honest no I haven’t, and the reason behind it, is not that I don’t want to or I wouldn’t like to, but the truth is, the subject is very sensitive from all aspect, but at the same time if it was brought up in front of me I wouldn’t be worried to share my opinion about it publicly, and If I was hosted and was asked such a question about the LGBTQ+ community, I’d definitely show my support, the idea is, I’ll defend the LGBTQ+ rights, but also I believe we are all humans and we don’t get to decide who deserves rights or not, I think it’s not fair from me to decide, but it’s my duty to show my support that we all deserve equal rights.
Do you consider your work place, a safe place for an LGBTQ+ person to work at or come out in ?
Of course not, and I don’t think there is any safe workplace for the LGBTQ+ community in Libya, and there is a lot of closeted queer people who work in the media but they’re always pretty secretive because they’re worried about their Image and the organization’s image and it’s a lot of pressure to be honest, and also what breaks my heart, when I hear them getting married just to give the society what they want, I’m not in their shoe to judge, but I really wish if there is an advocacy and awareness to stop this from happening.
If you find out one of your family members/relatives is an LGBTQ+ how do you think you’ll deal with that?
For me I will definitely show support, and I’ll always be there for them, to not make them feel alone in this journey.
In Libya, the LGBTQ+ community suffers from all types of discrimination, religion because it’s forbidden, society wise because its a shame, and the law doesn’t grant or believe in their rights, do you think the awareness KUN is providing, will help and change the idea the anti queers in Libya have about the LGBTQ+ community?
To be honest, it’s a huge step in a thousand mile journey, but also the issue Is bigger than that, I believe it takes more than one platform or NGO to create a big change, we’re talking about a society that is being ruled by their religious background an intense religious background, and this subject is very sensitive, so I believe we need a lot a lot work to do, from big NGOS to provide support and safety and so on.
Being the voice of thousands of silenced people is hard, kun will do what it takes to help getting those voices heard, and kun believes even the slightest change, is a step we take towards our goal, so we can be sure that one day, the Libyan LGBTQ+ community has the rights they deserve.
