The City of West Hollywood’s HUMAN RIGHTS SPEAKERS SERIES presents
Elias Jahshan: This Queer Arab Family
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Free Admission. RSVP Required.
https://HRSS-2026Apr15.eventbrite.com
The City of West Hollywood is proud to host Elias Jahshan for the US book launch event of his new book, This Queer Arab Family (Saqi Books). This Queer Arab Family is a bold and celebratory anthology that explores how queer Arabs reimagine family beyond traditional expectations. Edited and compiled by Elias Jahshan, This Queer Arab Family features ten queer writers from across the Arab world and diaspora, with stories that honor chosen kinship, everyday acts of care, and the creativity and resilience that sustain queer Arab communities.
Elias Jahshan will kick off the night with a keynote address that will provide a snapshot of queer Arab life and human rights, and contextualize the work he does as a journalist, writer and editor, followed by a discussion with One Institute and Q&A with the audience. At the conclusion of the event, there will be book signing opportunities. Copies of the book will also be available to purchase.
Special Guest Panelists:
Elias Jahshan, Journalist and Writer
Moderator, Rasheed Newson, Co-Chair, One Institute
West Hollywood City Council Chambers
625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Validated parking will be available at the adjacent 5-story West Hollywood Park structure, limited to availability. Street parking may be available. Rideshare suggested.
More Info: weho.org/hrss
Founded in 1952, One Institute is the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the United States. One Institute elevates queer, trans, and HIV/AIDS histories and embraces emerging stories through collaborative education, arts, and cultural programs. Through K-12 teacher trainings, lesson plans, and youth mentorship programs, One Institute empowers teachers and students to bring queer and trans history into classrooms and communities. As the independent community partner of ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, we promote the largest collection of LGBTQ+ materials in the world. In 2025, One Institute became stewards of STORIES: The AIDS Monument, in partnership with the City of West Hollywood.
