Mira: Alright Leo, let's dive into the LGBT+ scene in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Hmm! I think we need to be super careful here, right? Given the cultural sensitivities.
Leo: Absolutely, Mira. We're not going to tread on anyone's toeswe're just here to lay out the facts as we see them, with a dash of humor, of course. Hahaha! It's like walking on eggshells, but eggshells made of comedic material!
Mira: Exactly! So, in Egypt, there isn't specific legislation that criminalizes samesex sexual activity, but... Aha! it's still complicated.
Leo: Complicated is an understatement, Mira. It's more like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded while riding a unicycle. Hehe! You might get there eventually, but it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
Mira: Totally! Charges like "debauchery" are often used, and societal attitudes can be very conservative. Ouch! So, public displays of affection can attract negative attention.
Leo: Negative attention is putting it mildly. It's like wearing a neon sign that says "Please judge me!" Whoa! Not ideal if you're just trying to hold hands.
Mira: Right! And there aren't any legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Ouch!
Leo: Zero protection? That's like sending someone into a boxing ring without gloves. Ahhh! You're gonna feel it, folks!
Mira: Precisely! So, openly LGBT+ events or organizations face huge challenges. It's tough to create community safely.
Leo: Creating community safely? More like trying to build a sandcastle during high tide. Whoa! It's a constant battle against the elements.
Mira: Shifting gears to Saudi Arabia, things are even more restrictive, I think. Samesex sexual activity is illegal.
Leo: Illegal is about as clear as it gets, Mira. It's like seeing a big red stop sign that screams "Turn around now!".
Mira: And the penalties can be severe under Sharia law. I think we need to be very careful with our phrasing here.
Leo: Absolutely. Severe penalties? That's like ordering a coffee and getting a punch in the face instead. Ouch! You definitely weren't expecting that.
Mira: Exactly! Public displays of affection, any kind of PDA, are strictly prohibited.
Leo: Strictly prohibited? That's like trying to smuggle a marching band into a library. Whoa! Not gonna happen, folks.
Mira: And of course, there aren't any LGBT+ rights organizations that can operate openly.
Leo: Operating openly? That's like a standup comedian trying to tell jokes in a silent movie. Whoa! You're gonna need to find a different medium.
Mira: Social attitudes are extremely conservative, shaped by religious beliefs.
Leo: Extremely conservative is like saying the desert is a little bit sandy. Hehe! Understatement of the century!
Mira: Exactly! So, for LGBT+ individuals, it can be incredibly challenging to live openly and safely.
Leo: Incredibly challenging? It's like trying to climb Mount Everest in flipflops. Ouch! Not exactly the ideal gear for the journey.
Mira: Right! So, it's crucial to be aware of the legal and social context when travelling.
Leo: Being aware is like packing an extra suitcase full of common sense. Ahhh! It's always a good idea to be prepared.
Mira: I think it is, and that's something to keep in mind when traveling to these countries.
Leo: Precisely, Mira. In both these destinations, open displays of affection and selfexpression aren't encouraged and aren't really going to fly. You might as well be on another planet. Hahaha!