The EU and LGBTI activism in the MENA – The case of Lebanon

This paper studies the role of European Union (EU) in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities Middle East North Africa (MENA) by focusing on case Lebanon. It seeks to fill existing gap literature regarding transversal conceptualization EU practices support LGBTI MENA what is happening ground. The builds semi-structured interviews engages with primary secondary international relations EU’s democracy promotion answer three main questions: To extent do agents engage local actors improve minority rights? Who are involved? And influences approach/practice this area? findings reveal as a subtle actor when it comes rights MENA; tends treat matter within broader human aspect initiatives taken locals. due sensitivity domestic context well awareness that might have negative effect groups if became more vocal.