Zaffa: A Queer Arab Showcase is the first event of its kind to centre and celebrate queer Arab brilliance in Ottawa. Zaffa both asks and answers the question, “what if queer Arab stories were told on our own terms, in our own way?” Highlighting talent hailing from the Levant, across the Gulf, up to North Africa, and from here, in the Arab diaspora, these stories are told by artists, workers, students, and (im)migrants. 

Drawing its inspiration from This Arab is Queer: An Anthology by LGBTQ+ Arab Writers by Elias Jahshan, Zaffa highlights the importance of diverse queer Arab stories that have always embodied the resilience and creativity of our communities. Much like the beating drum and celebratory dance of the zaffa procession: our communities assert that we too have been the reverberating heartbeat of what it means to be Arab throughout history and across borders.  

This event will feature performances from local drag artists: Joe Zaddy, Edith Puthie, Stripes and Sweets, Blooming At Dusk, and Su Mack. Conversations about the importance of queer Arab experiences and centering collective joy will be held by event organizers and community members, followed by offerings from local Arab vendors including books and regional light fare, both offered for free and with some items for purchase.