American Express

We've Been Kings - Saudi Araba | Pride T-Shirt | Be Illuminating

This unique t-shirt highlights the vibrant and complex history of LGBTQ+ identity within Arab culture. The design features an Arab man in traditional attire alongside the powerful phrase "We've been Kings" and its Arabic translation, "لقد كنا ملوكا." In the top corner, the Arabic word "فَخْر" (pride) is displayed in pride colors, symbolizing a bold celebration of identity and history.

Historically, many pre-colonial Arab societies held an open, nuanced view toward non-heteronormative identities. While some 19th-century Muslim travelers noted with surprise that Europeans did not court young men, European travelers were equally shocked by the open acceptance of same-sex attraction in Arab communities. Additionally, medieval texts referenced multiple gender identities, including "khuntha," an intermediate identity. In a famous 16th-century Damascus case, a judge allowed a transgender woman to marry the man who loved her, highlighting the layered understanding of gender and sexuality in the region's past.

However, modern Saudi Arabia imposes strict laws based on Sharia principles. Homosexuality and non-binary gender expressions are illegal, with punishments that can include imprisonment, flogging, and, in extreme cases, the death penalty, though the latter is rarely enforced today. These laws create significant challenges for local LGBTQ+ individuals, while visitors are advised to exercise caution, avoid public displays of affection, and remain aware of local customs

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