On Friday, May 8, the launch party and fundraiser for the newly created Taqaseem Chicago association will take place at Touché, 6412 N. Clark, starting at 9 p.m. Syrian-born Mr. Chicago Leather 2009 Ammar Husamo will host.
Taqaseem (Taka’seem) is a group dedicated to bringing together the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) LGBTQ communities of the greater Chicagoland area. The group was founded by Dalila Fridi (Algeria), Ahmad Refky (Egypt), Robert Czar (U.S.) and Husamo.
Beyond the launch at Touché, Taqaseem intends to partner with several local LGBTQ organizations in providing counseling, social, medical and legal aid as well as advice to group members. The goal is to create a safe space to share our fears, joys, successes and struggles in society.
Taqaseem Chicago can be found on Facebook and will soon launch a Web site.