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The Kingdom's Got a Big Closet

Why gay life flourishes in Saudi Arabia, even though it's a capital crime

By Caroline Miller, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 20, 2007 1:35 PM CDT

(Newser) – Sodomy is a capital crime in Saudia Arabia, but that hasn't stopped a gay scene from flourishing there. Quite the contrary, writes Nadya Labi in the Atlantic. Men and women are so zealously separated that homosexual encounters are easier to pull off. One Syrian who moved to Riyadh seven years ago calls it a "gay heaven."

The religious police seem to turn a blind eye to blatant cruising, Labi reports, partly so that men who aren't able to have sex with a woman—because they're unmarried or their wives are pregnant—can find an alternative. That doesn't mean they consider themselves gay; homosexuality is thought to be a behaviour, not an orientation.

Members of a traditional Saudi honor guard with their golden swords adjust their headress as they wait for the arrival of Arab leaders at Riyadh air force airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, March 27, 2007... (Associated Press)

Saudi businessmen attend a meeting at the Saudi Basic Industries... (Getty Images)

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The Kingdom's Got a Big Closet

Why gay life flourishes in Saudi Arabia, even though it's a capital crime

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gay rights • Saudi Arabia • Riyadh • sex • homosexuality

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Cynthia Nixon: For Me, Being Gay 'Is a Choice'

Activists not happy with actress' choice of words

'Not Gay Enough' Ballplayers Win Settlement

Team with bisexual players stripped of trophy by gay sports group

Obama: Don't Just Sit There When People Boo a Soldier

President fires away at GOP contenters at gay rights fundraiser

Man Sent to Nazi Camp for Being Gay Dead at 98

Rudolf Brazda was last known survivor of persecution over homosexuality

First Openly Gay Man Quietly Confirmed as US Judge

J. Paul Oetken makes history, with little fanfare

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

gay rights • Saudi Arabia • Riyadh • sex • homosexuality

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Cynthia Nixon: For Me, Being Gay 'Is a Choice'

Activists not happy with actress' choice of words

'Not Gay Enough' Ballplayers Win Settlement

Team with bisexual players stripped of trophy by gay sports group

Obama: Don't Just Sit There When People Boo a Soldier

President fires away at GOP contenters at gay rights fundraiser

Man Sent to Nazi Camp for Being Gay Dead at 98

Rudolf Brazda was last known survivor of persecution over homosexuality

First Openly Gay Man Quietly Confirmed as US Judge

J. Paul Oetken makes history, with little fanfare

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Newser By Users

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