A Socio-Political Analysis of Homosexuality in Jordan

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgements
• Table of Contents
• List of Illustrations
• List of Tables
• Introduction
• 1. Joseph Massad – a Jordanian Scholar and university professor who denies the existence of homosexuals in the Middle East
• 2. The legal situation of homosexuality in Jordan, oppression and honour-killings
• 2.1. The Legal Situation of Homosexuality in Jordan
• 2.2 Honour Killings and Family Violence Against Homosexuals
• 2.3. The Jordanian Society - A Culture of Shame?
• 2.4. The Role of Islam
• 3. Visibility of Homosexuality in Jordan
• 3.1. Press Coverage of Homosexuality in Jordan
• 3.1.1. Terminology used in the Jordanian press to refer to homosexuality
• 3.1.2 Jordanian Newspapers and their Coverage of Homosexuality
• 3.2. The Jordanian Gay Scene
• Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This work aims to provide a socio-political analysis of homosexuality in Jordan, challenging the claims of scholars who deny the existence of homosexuals in the Middle East. It seeks to raise awareness about the oppression faced by LGBT individuals in Jordan and the harm caused by denying their existence.

• The critique of Joseph Massad's denial of homosexuality in the Arab world.
• The legal status of homosexuality in Jordan and its contrast with social realities.
• The prevalence of oppression, harassment, and honor killings against LGBT Jordanians.
• The role of religion and cultural norms in shaping attitudes towards homosexuality.
• The visibility (or lack thereof) of homosexuality in the Jordanian media and social landscape.

Chapter Summaries

Introduction: This introduction lays the groundwork for the dissertation, explaining the author's motivation for studying homosexuality in Jordan – spurred by firsthand accounts of suffering and harassment experienced by LGBT individuals. The author introduces Joseph Massad's controversial denial of the existence of homosexuals in the Middle East as a central point of contention and highlights the scarcity of research on this topic within the Jordanian context.

1. Joseph Massad – a Jordanian Scholar and University Professor Who Denies the Existence of Homosexuals in the Middle East: This chapter critically examines Joseph Massad's book, Desiring Arabs, focusing on his assertion that the promotion of gay rights in the Middle East is a Western conspiracy. The author refutes Massad's claims by presenting evidence of the existence of LGBT individuals in Jordan and highlighting the factual inaccuracies and potential dangers of Massad's arguments. The chapter explores Massad's reliance on Edward Said's Orientalism theory and critiques his generalizations about Western influence and Arab culture.

2. The Legal Situation of Homosexuality in Jordan, Oppression and Honour-Killings: This chapter delves into the legal and social realities of homosexuality in Jordan. While homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized, the chapter highlights the significant social stigma and the prevalence of honor killings and family violence against LGBT individuals. It examines the inconsistencies between the legal framework, which allows for same-sex relationships under specific conditions, and the deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms that condemn homosexuality. The chapter also explores the role of Islamic law and its varying interpretations in shaping attitudes and actions towards LGBT individuals.

3. Visibility of Homosexuality in Jordan: This chapter analyzes the portrayal of homosexuality in the Jordanian press and explores the existing LGBT social scene in Amman. It demonstrates how the media often frames homosexuality negatively, associating it with Western influence or moral decay. The chapter examines the terminology used to describe homosexuality in the press, highlighting the pejorative connotations embedded in the language. It also details the challenges faced by LGBT individuals in Jordan in terms of creating community and finding safe spaces while exploring the growing role of the internet in connecting the LGBT community.

Keywords

Homosexuality in Jordan, LGBT rights, Joseph Massad, Desiring Arabs, Orientalism, honor killings, family violence, Islamic law, Jordanian media, cultural norms, social stigma, gay scene in Amman, press coverage, LGBT visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions: Socio-Political Analysis of Homosexuality in Jordan

What is the main focus of this academic work?

This work provides a socio-political analysis of homosexuality in Jordan, directly challenging the assertions of scholars like Joseph Massad who deny the existence of homosexuals in the Middle East. It aims to raise awareness about the oppression faced by LGBT individuals in Jordan and the harmful consequences of denying their existence.

What are the key themes explored in the study?

The study critically examines Joseph Massad's work, analyzes the legal status of homosexuality in Jordan contrasting it with social realities, investigates the prevalence of oppression, harassment, and honor killings against LGBT Jordanians, explores the role of religion and cultural norms in shaping attitudes toward homosexuality, and examines the visibility (or lack thereof) of homosexuality in Jordanian media and society.

How does the study address Joseph Massad's claims?

The study directly refutes Massad's claims by presenting evidence of the existence of LGBT individuals in Jordan. It highlights factual inaccuracies and potential dangers in Massad's arguments, exploring his reliance on Edward Said's Orientalism theory and critiquing his generalizations about Western influence and Arab culture.

What is the legal situation of homosexuality in Jordan, according to the study?

While homosexuality isn't explicitly criminalized in Jordan, the study emphasizes the significant social stigma and the prevalence of honor killings and family violence against LGBT individuals. It highlights inconsistencies between the legal framework and deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms that condemn homosexuality.

What role does the Jordanian media play in portraying homosexuality?

The study analyzes how the Jordanian press often frames homosexuality negatively, associating it with Western influence or moral decay. It examines the terminology used, highlighting pejorative connotations, and explores the challenges faced by LGBT individuals in creating community and finding safe spaces.

What is the significance of the study's findings?

The study offers a crucial counter-narrative to those who deny the existence or experiences of LGBT individuals in the Middle East. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of LGBT lives in Jordan, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action to address the ongoing oppression and violence faced by this community.

What are the key words associated with this study?

Homosexuality in Jordan, LGBT rights, Joseph Massad, Desiring Arabs, Orientalism, honor killings, family violence, Islamic law, Jordanian media, cultural norms, social stigma, gay scene in Amman, press coverage, LGBT visibility.

What chapters are included in the study?

The study includes chapters on Joseph Massad's denial of homosexuality in the Middle East, the legal situation of homosexuality in Jordan and related oppression, and the visibility of homosexuality within Jordanian society, including media representation and the LGBT social scene in Amman. It also contains an introduction and conclusion.