Berlin's Arab Queer Community Builds Spaces Through Drag and Art
The ADIRA collective fosters belonging for queer Arabs amidst rising social tensions in Germany.
1Defining the ADIRA Collective
ADIRA is a Berlin-based collective curating events that celebrate queer Arab culture. The term originates from Levantine slang, meaning a powerful, accomplished individual. The asterisk in their branding signifies the inclusion of non-Arab ethnic minorities and people with diverse roots across Southwest Asia and North Africa, fostering a broad, intersectional community space.
2Celebrating Icons Through Drag
The third annual ADIRA Drag Festival, held in late October, focused on the theme Who's Your Diva. Performers paid tribute to legendary Eastern Mediterranean figures like Umm Kulthum, Bülent Ersoy, and Haifa Wehbe. These performances blend theatrical intensity with political humor, allowing artists to explore complex legacies through a critical, queer lens.
3Hassandra's Artistic Persona
Co-founder Hassandra, originally from Beirut, performs as the Lebanese pop star Elissa. While the music is romantic and soft, Hassandra highlights the star's feisty, unfiltered personality. This contrast serves as a metaphor for the festival's goal: encouraging audiences to critically examine their idols rather than following any public figure or politician blindly.
4Migration and Artistic Evolution
Hassandra moved from Lebanon to Berlin in 2017 at age 22, driven by the deteriorating economic situation in their home country. After studying theater at the Lebanese University, they integrated into Berlin's independent art scene. Drag became a vital medium for exploring themes of displacement, nostalgia, and the complexities of queer Arab identity.
5Founding ADIRA in Berlin
In 2023, Hassandra co-founded ADIRA alongside Syrian-German DJ Zuher Jazmati, also known as xanax_attax. The collective operates through panel discussions, music events, and performances. By creating these dedicated spaces, the founders aim to foster collective participation and provide a sense of belonging for queer individuals navigating life within the German capital.
6Navigating Rising Social Tensions
The collective provides a crucial support network as Islamophobia and homophobia rise alongside far-right sentiments in Germany. These spaces have become increasingly significant following recent security incidents, including the July attack during Berlin's Christopher Street Day parade. ADIRA offers a sanctuary where members can process shared trauma and find mutual support.
7Rejecting Racism and Division
Following the July pride parade attack, Hassandra noted that queer Arabs often face dual pressures and increased racism. They emphasize the importance of mourning victims while simultaneously rejecting xenophobic narratives that use the Arab community as a scapegoat. The collective advocates for making Germany a safer, more inclusive place for everyone to live.
8The Future of Community Spaces
ADIRA represents a growing movement of independent collectives shaping Berlin's cultural landscape. By blending political activism with artistic expression, they challenge conventional understandings of gender and identity. Their work underscores the necessity of safe, intersectional spaces that allow marginalized groups to define their own narratives while navigating the complexities of modern displacement.
Original article: DW – Culture — Berlin's Arab Queer Community Builds Spaces Through Drag and Art