FERNDALE – Two years ago a gathering of friends formed an organization which changed the face of the LGBT community in Michigan. After watching a documentary called "I exist" about the struggle of being gay and Middle Eastern the friends decided to form a group they later called Al GAMEA, which means "the gathering" in Arabic.
The small group has organized the Arabic themed parties called Arabian nights bringing together GLBT Arabs from all over the Midwest. Al GAMEA has collaborated with organizations like MAPP, HRC, Affirmations, Triangle and Helem. They have received national and international attention via the internet and are building relationships with GLBT Arab communities around the country. On Feb. 4, Al GAMEA adopted its first official by-laws and elected a board of directors.
"I am so proud to have been chosen to help lead this organization into the next phase" said newly elected co-chair Chris Ramazzotti, "I hope that we can help the community to learn to be comfortable with being gay and Middle Eastern. I want them to know when they say "I exist" that we hear them."
Al GAMEA holds open meetings the first Sunday of every month at Karma tea and tonic located on Nine Mile Road in Ferndale. The 13th Arabian night's party will be held at The Malebox bar at 3537 East Seven Mile Road in Detroit on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Information about Al GAMEA events, news and Arabian Nights can be found at algamea.org.
